Weekly Roundup

Despite the dismal weather, Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 (and the GCR Steam Van) delighted the passengers aboard Steve Fulcher’s charter special on the Great Central Railway on Saturday 22nd November 2025. The loco was pictured passing Swithland Sidings Signal Box, photo by Andrew Royle © CC BY-NC 4.0

Click here to go to the WSR’s Timetable page then click on the day of interest then click VIEW TIMETABLE.

All of the Christmas Specials are rostered for steam haulage, but keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page or sign up to our DIESELGEN bulletin service for advance notification of unplanned or diesel-assisted services.

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’– the dismal weather at Williton last Saturday split the team in three directions, with some volunteers braving the elements to work on the ‘A’ bogie, some volunteers going underneath D1010‘s body out in the yard to prepare the underframe for painting, and some volunteers working on tasks associated with the need to unload the engines from the boiler trolley upon which they have been mounted since July 2024.

The plan is to shunt the yard on Saturday 6th December to get at least one of the bogies inside the loco shed so that work can proceed regardless of the weather. Repositioning the engines will have to wait until we have crane on site, probably in January, but that is not far away in terms of working days.

Class 09 D4107 (09019) – this loco has now arrived at Williton so that she can receive attention to bodywork corrosion around the cab roof and bonnet. Having the loco available at the yard is quite convenient for studying the layout of her dual braking equipment, as can be seen in this photo which shows the vacuum exhauster installation.

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is now based at Bishops Lydeard where she will remain ‘on duty’ in support of the Christmas seasonal steam-hauled services. She may not get much use because all of the Christmas services are rostered for steam haulage this year, but the upside is that she will be under cover throughout the winter.

D6575 (33057) is now based at Bishops Lydeard along with Class 14 D9526. Both will provide support to the WSR over the winter and will stay under cover as part of the bargain. Pictured on Wednesday 26th November 2025 by Paul Fleet © CC BY-NC 4.0

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is stabled on number 1 road at Williton and will undergo some light maintenance work and internal cleaning.

Here are the remaining running dates:

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work was paused because of the need to support sister loco D9526 and relocate her to Bishops Lydeard. The team will be back at work on D9518 as soon as possible.

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is now based at Bishops Lydeard where she will remain throughout the winter to cover for Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019).

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be based at Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and we hope that she will be rostered to assist with some of the Christmas Specials, to help keep her in good operating condition. DEPG volunteer Viv Jones has brought our attention to the new Channel 4 series ‘STEAM TRAIN DIARIES’ in which ‘NORTH STAR‘ makes an appearance, substituting for a steam loco during the period of high fire risk, earlier this year. Click this link or the image below for details. MANY THANKS to Viv for letting us know about this TV coverage.

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is stabled outdoors on Number 3 road at Williton and is fully serviceable, and has been used several times during the last few weeks to move locos around the yard.

If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.

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

NEW CLOTHING RANGE:

Good news – we believe that our supplier is now up to date with deliveries, so if you think otherwise then please get in touch with us by using our CONTACT FORM.  So, now is the time to place your NEW order via our ONLINE STORE, just click this link to give it a go !

So far, we have launched the 50 YEARS of HYMEKS range and a configurable HYMEK and WESTERN range, and we now have the new design for the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ featuring two locos side by side, one in green livery and the other in blue, or both in blue. Please let us know if you would like to order a combination that is not obvious on our online store – we are adding more options on a weekly basis.

New design for the DEPG Class 33 ‘Cromptons’. Click here to place your order !

We hope to have a new design for the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ soon. Here’s a review of what is on offer and available to order NOW via our website:

Polo shirt in Black with 50 YEARS of HYMEKS logo	Polo shirt in Royal Blue with D7018 in blue FYE and D1010 in maroon SYP
Polo shirt in Burgundy with 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ logo	Polo shirt in Seal Grey with D7017 in green SYP and D1010 in maroon SYP
T-shirt with D7018 and D1010 design (this type of printing is only available on a T-shirt)	Sweatshirt with D7018 in blue FYE and D1010 in maroon SYP

The range of colours has now been expanded and the range of sizes now includes LADIES SIZES. Please let us know via our CONTACT FORM if the colour and size combination that you want is not showing as an option online.

The new designs are available in the following garment types, some of which have not yet been added to our website, so again please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know what you want. Here are the prices:

Although the prices of the new range are higher than before, the prices are competitive and are in line with the quality of the garments. These are really nice pieces of work and the ability to personalise your choice is another definite advantage.

We look forward to receiving your order, the profits from which will directly support the DEPG !

ON SHED – this week, our attention shifts back to Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 and her arrival at Taunton from Old Oak Common on 30th July 1975, more than FIFTY YEARS AGO, to start her new life with the D+EG (predecessor of the DEPG). Thanks to information received from Glyn Newing, we have become aware of some very interesting (but very short) footage of D7017 that he found on the marvellous British Film Institute archive site, showing the condition of the loco in the weeks or months after her arrival at Taunton. Click here or on the image below to view this 50-year-old footage.

This 50-year-old film footage shows D7017 at Taunton some time between July 1975 and March 1976, waiting for the fledgling WSR to open and allow her to move to Minehead along with industrial steam locos ‘VICTOR’ and ‘VULCAN’. The move eventually took place on 26th March 1976. Video courtesy of the British Film Institute.

NEW BOOKS ON SALE

Not one but THREE new books were added to our online store in the last few weeks, with varied themes but all of great interest. Apologies for the delay in getting these new books shipped out, but the the backlog has now been cleared, so please GO AHEAD AND PLACE YOUR ORDERS via the DEPG online store now !

Part 1 of a 3-part series by Bernard Mills, this new book is sure to be a big success. Click here to place your order.

Volume 2 of a 3-volume series by Michael Rhodes, this new book is going to be of great interest to many readers. Click here to place your order.

A rugged A5 wirebound booklet that will be essential reading for operators and crew of the popular Class 33 ‘Cromptons’, this book will also be of value to those with a broader technical interest. Click here to order your copy.

There are many other new and pre-owned book titles on our online store – click here for details.

The DEPG 2026 A3 CALENDAR is available for sale and the recent uptick in shipments has prompted us to include it in the roundup ! Click here or on the following image to see a mini-presentation that steps through each page and gives the flavour of the contents. MANY THANKS to all of the photographers who donated their work for the benefit of the DEPG !

DEPG NEWS: the next Board of Trustees meeting will take place at Williton on Saturday 13th December. If you are a DEPG member and you have a question that you would like to put to the Board, please use our CONTACT FORM or write to us at our registered address.

JOIN US using whichever membership class is appropriate for your situation and means. CLICK HERE or on the image below or use the QR code to get the details.

If you would like to go one step further and come along to help with the work on the locos in our fleet, then please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know that you would like to volunteer and we will respond with more details.

We look forward to hearing from you !

Go to the previous Roundup post

GB Railfreight Class 66 66710 ‘Karen Harrison‘ was pictured at Bishops Lydeard at the rear of the Railway 200 ‘Inspiration’ exhibition train, shortly after arrival on Wednesday 19th November 2025. The travelling exhibition will be open from Monday 24th through Saturday 29th November – tickets are required but are FREE – click here for details. Photo by Brenden Hill © CC BY-NC 4.0

Click here to go to the WSR’s Timetable page then click on the day of interest then click VIEW TIMETABLE.

All of the Christmas Specials are rostered for steam haulage, but keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page or sign up to our DIESELGEN bulletin service for advance notification of unplanned or diesel-assisted services.

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’– the cold and wet weather at Williton last Saturday didn’t deter the team from their seemingly never-ending task of scraping dirt from the bogies, in fact they seemed to be quite happy doing it. Sadly, the duty photographer was not as hardy and didn’t venture out to get any photos, so apologies for that!

The photos that I did take (within striking distance from the shed doors and later in the afternoon) were of the pallets of parts that resulted from their efforts, to show how much more work will be required to clean, inspect, test and restore just this small collection of secondary suspension parts (from just one bogie !)

D1010 – the secondary coil springs and spring hangers from just one side of one bogie are enough to fill a pallet. It will take many hours of work to clean up each of these component parts and make them ready for inspection and test. Pictured at Williton on 15th November 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

D1010 – the coil springs are fitted around guides that take the form of tubes welded to baseplates that are in turn bolted to the bogie frame. The giant ‘mushrooms’ in the previous photo fit inside these guides, and the centre void is then filled with grease (crude, but it seems to have been effective). Pictured at Williton on 15th November 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

Rain stopped play on the marking of more sponsored patches, which was annoying because the areas to be marked were ready and waiting. Tomorrow’s weather looks very doubtful, but hopefully we will get a good day soon. Thank you all for your patience !

Class 09 D4107 (09019) – this loco will be moving to Williton tomorrow, Saturday 22nd November, so that she can receive attention to bodywork corrosion around the cab roof and bonnet. Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 will be moving to Bishops Lydeard to cover for the ’09’ – click here to view the DIESELGEN bulletin to get the details.

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is moving to Bishops Lydeard tomorrow, Saturday 22nd November, where she will be ‘on duty’ in support of the Christmas seasonal steam-hauled services. She may not get much use because all of the Christmas services are rostered for steam haulage this year, but the upside is that she will be under cover throughout the winter. Click here to view the DIESELGEN bulletin to get the details.

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is stabled on number 1 road at Williton and will undergo some light maintenance work before being ‘winterised’ later this month.

Here are the running dates:

On Saturday 22nd November, a charter has been organised by DTG and DEPG member STEVE FULCHER. Here are the details (D7018 services show as ‘Loco D2‘ and are highlighted in yellow), please contact Steve directly using the details below OR SIMPLY SHOW UP AND PAY STEVE ON THE DAY (cash or card) if you would like to ride on this special train. WELL DONE STEVE for arranging this. PLEASE DO TRY AND SUPPORT THIS EVENT because that is the way to ensure that this will be the first of many such ‘Hymek’ charters on this and other lines!

Steve has advised that the Griddle Car will be included in the train and will be open all day, and will offer CURRY in the evening, so if you were in two minds about going along, then this should clinch it.

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work continued on the electrical system re-wire and on the rebuild of the Paxman ‘Ventura’ 6YJXL engine that last served in sister loco D9526, and volunteer Andy P made good progress on painting the battery box lids. The full team will be back on D9518 once D9526 departs for Bishops Lydeard.

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco will be working a ‘Tidy Train’ on Saturday 22nd November, starting at Williton but ending her day at Bishops Lydeard where she will remain throughout the winter to cover for Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019). Click here to view the DIESELGEN bulletin to get the details.

In readiness for her return to service, the recently-applied cabside transfers were treated to a spray coat of varnish, which will help protect the transfers from the worst of the weather.

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be based at Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and we hope that she will be rostered to assist with some of the Christmas Specials, to help keep her in good operating condition. This loco makes an appearance in the ‘On Shed’ feature later in this issue of Roundup.

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is stabled outdoors on Number 3 road at Williton and is fully serviceable, and has been used several times during the last few weeks to move locos around the yard.

If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.

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

NEW CLOTHING RANGE:

Good news – we believe that our supplier is now up to date with deliveries, so if you think otherwise then please get in touch with us by using our CONTACT FORM.  So, now is the time to place your NEW order via our ONLINE STORE, just click this link to give it a go !

So far, we have launched the 50 YEARS of HYMEKS range and a configurable HYMEK and WESTERN range, and we now have the new design for the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ featuring two locos side by side, one in green livery and the other in blue, or both in blue. Please let us know if you would like to order a combination that is not obvious on our online store – we are adding more options on a weekly basis.

New design for the DEPG Class 33 ‘Cromptons’. Click here to place your order !

We hope to have a new design for the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ soon. Here’s a review of what is on offer and available to order NOW via our website:

Polo shirt in Black with 50 YEARS of HYMEKS logo	Polo shirt in Royal Blue with D7018 in blue FYE and D1010 in maroon SYP
Polo shirt in Burgundy with 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ logo	Polo shirt in Seal Grey with D7017 in green SYP and D1010 in maroon SYP
T-shirt with D7018 and D1010 design (this type of printing is only available on a T-shirt)	Sweatshirt with D7018 in blue FYE and D1010 in maroon SYP

The range of colours has now been expanded and the range of sizes now includes LADIES SIZES. Please let us know via our CONTACT FORM if the colour and size combination that you want is not showing as an option online.

The new designs are available in the following garment types, some of which have not yet been added to our website, so again please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know what you want. Here are the prices:

Although the prices of the new range are higher than before, the prices are competitive and are in line with the quality of the garments. These are really nice pieces of work and the ability to personalise your choice is another definite advantage.

We look forward to receiving your order, the profits from which will directly support the DEPG !

ON SHED – this week, we have received permission to share a photo that was taken at Crewe Works in late 1983 or early 1984, where our very own 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ was receiving a heavy overhaul and being converted to Electric Train Heating (ETH), to subsequently emerge as 47613.

As stated on our Loco Timeline page, her steam boiler had been isolated in February of 1982, probably as a result of a boiler failure, thereby restricting the loco to freight-only use in the colder months and reducing her overall usefulness. Luckily, the decision was taken to upgrade her to ETH, a move that guaranteed her long-term survival.

It is interesting to note that the loco had been so thoroughly disassembled, but still displayed her nameplates proudly !

This photo of 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ was taken at Crewe Works some time in late 1983 or early 1984, during a heavy overhaul that resulted in the loco being upgraded to Electric Train Heating (ETH) capability and being renumbered as 47613. Photo by Peter Blunn © CC BY-NC 4.0

NEW BOOKS ON SALE

Not one but THREE new books were added to our online store in the last few weeks, with varied themes but all of great interest. Apologies for the delay in getting these new books shipped out, but they are on their way now and the backlog is clearing, so please GO AHEAD AND PLACE YOUR ORDERS via the DEPG online store now !

Part 1 of a 3-part series by Bernard Mills, this new book is sure to be a big success. Click here to place your order.

Volume 2 of a 3-volume series by Michael Rhodes, this new book is going to be of great interest to many readers. Click here to place your order.

A rugged A5 wirebound booklet that will be essential reading for operators and crew of the popular Class 33 ‘Cromptons’, this book will also be of value to those with a broader technical interest. Click here to order your copy.

There are many other new and pre-owned book titles on our online store – click here for details.

The DEPG 2026 A3 CALENDAR is available for sale and the recent uptick in shipments has prompted us to include it in the roundup ! Click here or on the following image to see a mini-presentation that steps through each page and gives the flavour of the contents. MANY THANKS to all of the photographers who donated their work for the benefit of the DEPG !

DEPG NEWS: the next Board of Trustees meeting will take place at Williton on Saturday 13th December. If you are a DEPG member and you have a question that you would like to put to the Board, please use our CONTACT FORM or write to us at our registered address.

JOIN US using whichever membership class is appropriate for your situation and means. CLICK HERE or on the image below or use the QR code to get the details.

If you would like to go one step further and come along to help with the work on the locos in our fleet, then please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know that you would like to volunteer and we will respond with more details.

We look forward to hearing from you !

Go to the previous Roundup post

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 will be in use at the ‘Last Hurrah’ Gala on the Great Central Railway this coming weekend 15/16th November and again on Saturday 22nd November. The unique features of the GCR allow the re-creation of authentic BR-era scenes such as the above, pictured at Swithland Sidings on Tuesday 28th October 2025 by Cameron Walker © CC BY-NC 4.0

Click here to go to the WSR’s Timetable page then click on the day of interest then click VIEW TIMETABLE.

All of the Christmas Specials are rostered for steam haulage, but keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page or sign up to our DIESELGEN bulletin service for advance notification of unplanned or diesel-assisted services.

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’– the weather at Williton turned out to be quite nice last weekend, allowing the team to complete the removal of the secondary springs from the ‘A’ bogie while clean-up work progressed on the ‘B’ bogie.

A welcome boost to morale was the delivery of the refurbished and tested springs, comprising all 12 primary leaf springs (6 per bogie, fully refurbished and each fitted with a new buckle) plus eight secondary coil springs (from the ‘B’ bogie, tested OK) and the two giant secondary leaf springs from the ‘B’ bogie, which were also (thankfully) fit for further use without needing repair. MANY THANKS to OWEN SPRINGS of Rotherham for doing such a fine job on these springs.

D1010 – meanwhile, the ‘A’ bogie was finally separated from it’s secondary springs after a massive effort that had spanned several weeks! Team member Glenn was cleaning up around the coil spring guides when surprised by the photographer at Williton on 8th November 2025. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

D1010 – the ‘A’ bogie with her centre wheelset exposed, now ready for the cleanup to begin. Pictured at Williton on 8th November 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

D1010 – the two massive secondary leaf springs from the ‘A’ bogie were finally extracted and now await cleaning, inspection and testing. Each spring carries one quarter of the weight of the loco body, therefore 19 tons ! Pictured at Williton on 8th November 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

We also made progress on the marking of a new batch of sponsored patches, with four separate areas marked out in a grid pattern and made ready for engraving. The drawings are also being updated to include these new patch areas and this will allow us to generate the certificates as part of the catch-up batch that we are currently working on. Thank you all for your patience !

Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations. This loco will move to Williton at the end of the operating season so that the most urgent of the bodywork repairs that were started last winter can be continued. Class 14 D9526 will be moving to Bishops Lydeard to cover for the ’09’.

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco underwent an oil change last Saturday and also had a new set of engine oil filters, which should keep her engine in good shape for another three or four years. The cost of buying the new oil and filters and disposing of the old oil and the contaminated filters is around £2,000 in total, so we only do the oil change when the periodic oil sample reports tell us that it is necessary. This is the same practice that has been used on mainline diesels since the 1970s and saves a lot of waste, while also flagging up the first signs of engine issues such as coolant leaking into the oil or unburnt fuel that ends up diluting the oil. The old adage ‘a stitch in time saves nine‘ is absolutely right in this case.

This loco will soon be moving to Bishops Lydeard where she will remain ‘on duty’ and under cover throughout the winter.

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is stabled on number 1 road at Williton and will undergo some light maintenance work before being ‘winterised’ later this month.

Here are the running dates:

On Saturday 22nd November, a charter has been organised by DTG and DEPG member STEVE FULCHER. Here are the details (D7018 services show as ‘Loco D2‘ and are highlighted in yellow), please contact Steve directly using the details below if you would like to ride on this special train. WELL DONE STEVE for arranging this. PLEASE DO TRY AND SUPPORT THIS EVENT because that is the way to ensure that this will be the first of many such ‘Hymek’ charters on this and other lines!

Steve has advised that the Griddle Car will be included in the train and will be open all day, and will offer CURRY in the evening, so if you were in two minds about going along, then this should clinch it. GET ON THE PHONE to Steve or email him and book your ticket now !

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work continued on the electrical system re-wire and on the rebuild of the Paxman ‘Ventura’ 6YJXL engine that last served in sister loco D9526. The need to prepare sister loco D9526 for service took some of the resources away temporarily, but the team will be back on D9518 once D9526 departs for Bishops Lydeard.

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco will be working a ‘Tidy Train’ on Saturday 22nd November, starting at Williton but ending her day at Bishops Lydeard where she will remain throughout the winter to cover for Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019). Last weekend, a modification was applied to D9526 to allow her coolant level to be topped up without having to climb onto the loco bonnet. This modification involved adding a hose connection, a gate valve and a non-return valve to the existing cooling system pipework to allow a top-up to take place using a standard carriage hose when at the platform. A much safer way of working !

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be based at Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and we hope that she will be rostered to assist with some of the Christmas Specials, to help keep her in good operating condition.

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is stabled outdoors on Number 3 road at Williton and is fully serviceable.

If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.

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

NEW CLOTHING RANGE:

Good news – we believe that our supplier is now up to date with deliveries, so if you think otherwise then please get in touch with us by using our CONTACT FORM.  So, now is the time to place your NEW order via our ONLINE STORE, just click this link to give it a go !

So far, we have launched the 50 YEARS of HYMEKS range and a configurable HYMEK and WESTERN range, and we now have the new design for the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ featuring two locos side by side, one in green livery and the other in blue, or both in blue. Please let us know if you would like to order a combination that is not obvious on our online store – we are adding more options on a weekly basis.

New design for the DEPG Class 33 ‘Cromptons’. Click here to place your order !

We hope to have a new design for the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ soon. Here’s a review of what is on offer and available to order NOW via our website:

Polo shirt in Black with 50 YEARS of HYMEKS logo	Polo shirt in Royal Blue with D7018 in blue FYE and D1010 in maroon SYP
Polo shirt in Burgundy with 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ logo	Polo shirt in Seal Grey with D7017 in green SYP and D1010 in maroon SYP
T-shirt with D7018 and D1010 design (this type of printing is only available on a T-shirt)	Sweatshirt with D7018 in blue FYE and D1010 in maroon SYP

The range of colours has now been expanded and the range of sizes now includes LADIES SIZES. Please let us know via our CONTACT FORM if the colour and size combination that you want is not showing as an option online.

The new designs are available in the following garment types, some of which have not yet been added to our website, so again please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know what you want. Here are the prices:

Although the prices of the new range are higher than before, the prices are competitive and are in line with the quality of the garments. These are really nice pieces of work and the ability to personalise your choice is another definite advantage.

We look forward to receiving your order, the profits from which will directly support the DEPG !

ON SHED – as mentioned previously, this week we have a fine shot of two Class 08 shunters that have both made it safely into preservation and are both currently serviceable, 08401 (D3516) having joined the DEPG fleet in October 2025 and 08444 (D3559) having been based at the Bodmin & Wenford Railway in Cornwall since 1987.

Both were built at Derby Works in 1958 and were allocated to Doncaster (36A) at the time of the below photograph before heading in different directions, one east, one west. However, both are now together again in the West Country, and their future is assured.

This photo of 08401 (D3516) and sister 08444 (D3559) was taken at Doncaster Works on Saturday 22nd October 1977. Both 1958-vintage locos survive in preservation today. Photo by Ian Sugden © CC BY-NC 4.0

NEW BOOKS ON SALE

Not one but THREE new books were added to our online store last week, with varied themes but all of great interest. The new Platform 5 books are arriving tomorrow and will be shipped out over the weekend, so GO AHEAD AND PLACE YOUR ORDERS via the DEPG online store now !

Part 1 of a 3-part series by Bernard Mills, this new book is sure to be a big success. Click here to place your order (for shipment in mid-November).

Volume 2 of a 3-volume series by Michael Rhodes, this new book is going to be of great interest to many readers. Click here to place your order (for shipment in mid-November).

A rugged A5 wirebound booklet that will be essential reading for operators and crew of the popular Class 33 ‘Cromptons’, this book will also be of value to those with a broader technical interest. Click here to order your copy.

There are many other new and pre-owned book titles on our online store – click here for details.

The DEPG 2026 A3 CALENDAR is available for sale and the recent uptick in shipments has prompted us to include it in the roundup ! Click here or on the following image to see a mini-presentation that steps through each page and gives the flavour of the contents. MANY THANKS to all of the photographers who donated their work for the benefit of the DEPG !

DEPG NEWS: our Publicity Officer Mark Bladwell has been busy again, this time producing another edition of the DEPG Quarterly Newsletter, right on time as usual!

This 32-page edition has been sent out to all DEPG members who were on the membership register on 3rd November, either by mail or email according to the preferences set in your membership account. Please let us know by using our CONTACT FORM if you are a member but haven’t received your copy one way or another. Not a member ? Then click here to sign up to become a member or to re-join!

JOIN US using whichever membership class is appropriate for your situation and means. CLICK HERE or on the image below or use the QR code to get the details.

If you would like to go one step further and come along to help with the work on the locos in our fleet, then please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know that you would like to volunteer and we will respond with more details.

We look forward to hearing from you !

Go to the previous Roundup post

The WSR’s Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) worked the last scheduled service to Minehead on Sunday 2nd November 2025 while BR(WR) 4-6-0 7828 ‘ODNEY MANOR’ worked the ‘up’ service towards Bishops Lydeard, to bring the 2025 running season to a close. Both were pictured at Williton by Mike Lanning © CC BY-NC 4.0

Click here to go to the WSR’s Timetable page then click on the day of interest then click VIEW TIMETABLE.

All of the Christmas Specials are rostered for steam haulage, but keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page or sign up to our DIESELGEN bulletin service for advance notification of unplanned or diesel-assisted services.

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’– the weather interfered with progress on the removal of the secondary springs of ‘A’ bogie at Williton last weekend, but some springs were eventually removed and the rest will be tackled during this coming weekend, the weather forecast being much more favourable – if it turns out to be correct, of course !

In parallel with the work on the bogies, attention is being given to planning some remedial work on the ‘A’ engine, which exhibited some coolant leakage from between some of the cylinder heads when cold, before the last engine run, back in November 2021. Our friends at the DTG have advised that the upper cylinder liner seals are probably the cause, this being a known issue on this type of diesel engine and for which there is a known fix. However, the engine is currently mounted on a stand on a Boiler Trolley along with the ‘B’ engine, so it cannot be worked on until it is brought back down to ground level. This is going to take some planning and will involve a crane lift. The engine work also needs to be thought through so that we come up with a remediation plan that does not go further than necessary, the engine being otherwise OK.

Here’s a reminder of the last time that the ‘A’ engine was run-up, which was just before the electrical systems within the loco were disconnected as her bodywork overhaul progressed. Click here or on the image below to go to the Weekly Roundup of 07-Nov-21 and scroll down to the D1010 section.

D1010 – click here or on the image above to go to the Weekly Roundup from 7th November 2021 to view video clips from the last occasion when the ‘A’ engine was run up. Video clips by Leroy Ford  © CC BY-NC 4.0

D1010 – the two stored Bristol Siddeley Maybach MD655 engines from D1010 dominate the corner of the shed at Williton. Pictured along with John C on Saturday 8th March 2025 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 4.0

The funding that we already have in place for D1010 is sufficient to carry us through for the time being, but we will be needing to top up to get the loco completed in time for the 2027 running season.

Before asking for more funding, we will be writing up a report on how much has been raised, how much has been spent and on what, and provide the estimates to get the job done. We expect to remain within the £100,000 that was originally set as a target.

Several sponsors have been reminding us that we still haven’t completed the marking of a number of patches, and some certificates have yet to be sent out. Apologies for this, but we will be straightening this out over the coming weeks and getting up to date with the administration of this very successful fundraising scheme.

Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations. This loco will move to Williton at the end of the operating season so that the most urgent of the bodywork repairs that were started last winter can be continued. Class 14 D9526 will be moving to Bishops Lydeard to cover for the ’09’.

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco has also returned to Williton and will undergo an oil change this coming weekend. The downside is that her Sulzer 8LDA28 engine requires 105 gallons of oil, which converts to 400 litres, which costs around £2,000 these days !

We carry out regular oil condition monitoring and only change the oil when necessary (the previous oil change on this loco was in December 2021) but the latest sample report stated that the time has come again. The oil filters will also be replaced and then there will be 400 litres of used oil and three dirty filters that will have to be disposed of, which will be another expense that has to be offset against the running income.

The loco will then move to Bishops Lydeard where she will remain ‘on duty’ and under cover throughout the winter.

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is stabled on number 1 road at Williton and will undergo some light maintenance work before being ‘winterised’ later this month.

Here are the running dates:

On Saturday 22nd November, a charter has been organised by DTG and DEPG member STEVE FULCHER. Here are the details (D7018 services show as ‘Loco D2‘ and are highlighted in yellow), please contact Steve directly using the details below if you would like to ride on this special train. WELL DONE STEVE for arranging this. PLEASE DO TRY AND SUPPORT THIS EVENT because that is the way to ensure that this will be the first of many such ‘Hymek’ charters on this and other lines!

Steve has advised that the Griddle Car will be included in the train and will be open all day, and will offer CURRY in the evening, so if you were in two minds about going along, then this should clinch it. GET ON THE PHONE to Steve or email him and book your ticket now !

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work on the electrical system re-wire has resumed and further progress has also been made on the rebuild of the Paxman ‘Ventura’ 6YJXL engine that last served in sister loco D9526. The photos below show two more pistons being installed by the ‘Tuesday Team’, after which the engine received a coat of light grey gloss, courtesy of Colin G:

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is currently indoors on No. 2 road at Williton and is undergoing an underframe cleanup and repaint in the careful hands of Colin G, and the results are in line with his usual high standard. This loco will move to Bishops Lydeard later in November to cover for Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019).

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be in regular use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and was recently the subject of a social media post by the West Somerset Railway – click this link to go the WSR Facebook page.

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is stabled outdoors on Number 3 road at Williton and was used to move Class 08 shunter 08401 (D3516) from the North Yard to the South Yard on Saturday 25th October.

If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.

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

NEW CLOTHING RANGE:

Good news – we believe that our supplier is now up to date with deliveries, so if you think otherwise then please get in touch with us by using our CONTACT FORM.  So, now is the time to place your NEW order via our ONLINE STORE, just click this link to give it a go !

So far, we have launched the 50 YEARS of HYMEKS range and a configurable HYMEK and WESTERN range, and we now have the new design for the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ featuring two locos side by side, one in green livery and the other in blue, or both in blue. Please let us know if you would like to order a combination that is not obvious on our online store – we are adding more options on a weekly basis.

New design for the DEPG Class 33 ‘Cromptons’. Click here to place your order !

We hope to have a new design for the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ soon. Here’s a review of what is on offer and available to order NOW via our website:

Polo shirt in Black with 50 YEARS of HYMEKS logo	Polo shirt in Royal Blue with D7018 in blue FYE and D1010 in maroon SYP
Polo shirt in Burgundy with 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ logo	Polo shirt in Seal Grey with D7017 in green SYP and D1010 in maroon SYP
T-shirt with D7018 and D1010 design (this type of printing is only available on a T-shirt)	Sweatshirt with D7018 in blue FYE and D1010 in maroon SYP

The range of colours has now been expanded and the range of sizes now includes LADIES SIZES. Please let us know via our CONTACT FORM if the colour and size combination that you want is not showing as an option online.

The new designs are available in the following garment types, some of which have not yet been added to our website, so again please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know what you want. Here are the prices:

Although the prices of the new range are higher than before, the prices are competitive and are in line with the quality of the garments. These are really nice pieces of work and the ability to personalise your choice is another definite advantage.

We look forward to receiving your order, the profits from which will directly support the DEPG !

ON SHED – this week, we feature something different, a loco of a fading Class pictured when almost new at a location that once boasted a huge marshalling yard but has long since closed down, namely Healey Mills, near Wakefield in West Yorkshire. Here’s the narrative that was provided by the photographer, Rob Crispin:

     “As South Devon Railway have announced a 2 day diesel gala (8-9th November), and their guest locos are two Class 56s, I thought I’d dig out a photo of one of those from the 1980s.

     56109 was less than a year old when I took this photo of it at Healey Mills in February, 1983. The memories of this trip were that it was the worst trip due to the fog not lifting at all, the fact that hardly anything was visible, and the freezing cold temperature which teenagers were never going to be fully prepared for.

     This was the only photo that made it to an album. I can remember seeing the outline of an 08 coupled to a brake van, which clearly had a fire raging inside, as well as probably half the depot staff!

     56109 managed just over 20 years in service before being withdrawn. It then managed another 8 years before it was scrapped. Although cases can be made for other places, if I could time travel and revisit another school trip location again, I’d probably pick Healey Mills as I only ever visited there on that day.

Class 56 ‘Grid’ 56109 was less than one year old when pictured through the fog at Healey Mills depot on a very cold and dismal Friday 25th February 1983. Photo by Rob Crispin © CC BY-NC 4.0

NEW BOOKS ON SALE

Not one but THREE new books were added to our online store last week, with varied themes but all of great interest. The publishers have confirmed that the new books have arrived in their stock and we expect to receive our allocation during next week, so GO AHEAD AND PLACE YOUR ORDERS !

Part 1 of a 3-part series by Bernard Mills, this new book is sure to be a big success. Click here to place your order (for shipment in mid-November).

Volume 2 of a 3-volume series by Michael Rhodes, this new book is going to be of great interest to many readers. Click here to place your order (for shipment in mid-November).

A rugged A5 wirebound booklet that will be essential reading for operators and crew of the popular Class 33 ‘Cromptons’, this book will also be of value to those with a broader technical interest. Click here to order your copy.

There are many other new and pre-owned book titles on our online store – click here for details.

The DEPG 2026 A3 CALENDAR is available for sale and the recent uptick in shipments has prompted us to include it in the roundup ! Click here or on the following image to see a mini-presentation that steps through each page and gives the flavour of the contents. MANY THANKS to all of the photographers who donated their work for the benefit of the DEPG !

DEPG NEWS: our Publicity Officer Mark Bladwell has been busy again, this time producing another edition of the DEPG Quarterly Newsletter, right on time as usual!

This 32-page edition will be sent out to all DEPG members who were on the membership register on 3rd November, either by mail or email according to the preferences set in your membership account. Please let us know by using our CONTACT FORM if you are a member but haven’t received your copy by the end of the coming week. Not a member ? Then click here to sign up to become a member or to re-join!

JOIN US using whichever membership class is appropriate for your situation and means. CLICK HERE or on the image below or use the QR code to get the details.

If you would like to go one step further and come along to help with the work on the locos in our fleet, then please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know that you would like to volunteer and we will respond with more details.

We look forward to hearing from you !

Go to the previous Roundup post

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 made a fine picture as she lifted a train of vans out of Swithland Sidings on the Great Central Railway on Tuesday 28th October 2025. The full day of goods train workings using D7018 was arranged as a photo charter by David Williams and Timeline Events. Photo by Andrew Royle © CC BY-NC 4.0

Click here to go to the WSR’s Timetable page then click on the day of interest then click VIEW TIMETABLE.

Sign up to our DIESELGEN bulletin service for advance notification of unplanned services.

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’– the use of Colin Foxhall’s winching method was proven to be a success, and a team effort that also involved Reece, Tim and Gordon resulted in all of the 2-inch BSW nuts being released by the end of the day on Tuesday 28th October. This will now allow the secondary springs (8 coil springs and 2 massive leaf springs) to be lifted off the ‘A’ bogie during this coming weekend, weather permitting. The work on cleaning up and inspecting the removed parts continues in parallel with the re-start of the repair work on the remaining cooler group. As soon as the cooler group is repaired, it will go outside so that the bogie can move inside the shed.

D1010 – the 2″ BSW nuts put up a fight, but patience and the appliance of science won the day. Colin F was pictured with his 70mm spanner and one of the troublesome nuts at Williton on Saturday 25th October 2025. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

D1010 – the ‘A’ cooler group has been turned over one more time to allow access to the one remaining area that requires repair. It will soon be completed and moved outdoors, where it will be sheeted over until needed. Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 28th October 2025 by Tony Austin © CC BY-NC 4.0

The cost of overhauling the bogies is significant because there are many large and heavy parts that are expensive to refurbish or replace. The funding that we already have in place for D1010 is sufficient to carry us through for the time being, but we will be needing to top up to get the loco completed in time for the 2027 running season.

Before asking for more funding, we will be writing up a report on how much has been raised, how much has been spent and on what, and provide the estimates to get the job done. We expect to remain within the £100,000 that was originally set as a target.

Several sponsors have been reminding us that we still haven’t completed the marking of a number of patches, and some certificates have yet to be sent out. Apologies for this, but we will be straightening this out over the coming weeks and getting up to date with the administration of this very successful fundraising scheme.

Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations. This loco will move to Williton at the end of the operating season so that the most urgent of the bodywork repairs that were started last winter can be continued. Class 14 D9526 will be moving to Bishops Lydeard to cover for the ’09’.

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is stabled at Williton so that her planned maintenance work can be continued while outdoors. When the shed is available, she will move indoors so that her leaking engine room roof can be removed and repaired.

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco has also returned to Williton for planned maintenance work and an oil change that will take place during the next few weeks. The loco will then move to Bishops Lydeard where she will remain ‘on duty’ throughout the winter.

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – some excellent news – the Transmission Team conducted some health checks on the transmission of this loco and we were pleasantly surprised by the findings. The transmission is in fine condition (as assessed via the inspection ports) and the filters were clean, which is remarkable, given the high hours on this machine. We can now focus on other tasks that will make the loco easier to manage with the view of using this loco more frequently in the years to come.

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – already covered.

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work on the electrical system re-wire has resumed and further progress has also been made on the rebuild of the Paxman ‘Ventura’ 6YJXL engine that last served in sister loco D9526. More photos will be provided ASAP.

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is now indoors on No. 2 road at Williton and is undergoing an underframe cleanup and repaint. This loco will move to Bishops Lydeard in November to cover for Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019).

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be in regular use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and was recently the subject of a social media post by the West Somerset Railway – click this link to go the WSR Facebook page.

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is stabled outdoors on Number 3 road at Williton and was used to move Class 08 shunter 08401 (D3516) from the North Yard to the South Yard on Saturday 25th October.

If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.

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

NEW CLOTHING RANGE:

Our supplier encountered some production holdups last week so APOLOGIES again if your order has been delayed (please let us know if you are still waiting in case we have slipped up). Deliveries have now resumed and the backlog is being dealt with. Don’t let this stop you from placing your NEW order via our ONLINE STORE, just click this link to give it a go !

So far, we have launched the 50 YEARS of HYMEKS range and a configurable HYMEK and WESTERN range, and we now have the new design for the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ featuring two locos side by side, one in green livery and the other in blue (both in blue is also an option).

New design for the DEPG Class 33 ‘Cromptons’. Click here to place your order !

We hope to have a new design for the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ soon, probably becoming available in November. Here’s a review of what is on offer and available to order NOW via our website:

Polo shirt in Black with 50 YEARS of HYMEKS logo	Polo shirt in Royal Blue with D7018 in blue FYE and D1010 in maroon SYP
Polo shirt in Burgundy with 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ logo	Polo shirt in Seal Grey with D7017 in green SYP and D1010 in maroon SYP
T-shirt with D7018 and D1010 design (this type of printing is only available on a T-shirt)	Sweatshirt with D7018 in blue FYE and D1010 in maroon SYP

The range of colours has now been expanded and the range of sizes now includes LADIES SIZES. Please let us know via our CONTACT FORM if the colour and size combination that you want is not showing as an option online.

The new designs are available in the following garment types, some of which have not yet been added to our website, so again please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know what you want. Here are the prices:

Although the prices of the new range are higher than before, the prices are competitive and are in line with the quality of the garments. These are really nice pieces of work and the ability to personalise your choice is another definite advantage.

We look forward to receiving your order, the profits from which will directly support the DEPG !

ON SHED – this week, we feature our newly-acquired Class 08 shunter 08401 (D3516) in 1988, surrounded by Classes 08 and 37 locos, thought to be at Immingham. This photo is much appreciated as we are appealing for any photos of this loco in service anywhere around the Country. This will allow us to build a gallery of photos that can be made available online. If you have any photos in your collection, either as D3516 or 08401 then please get in touch using our CONTACT form.

In the first instance, we are trying to establish the date and place of conversion from vacuum braking to air braking, so photos from the late 1970s will be particularly helpful. Refer to our loco TIMELINE page for clues as to the missing information.

Here’s a photo dated 1988 that has been kindly provided to us by Rail Image Collections:

Class 08 shunter 08401 (D3516) was pictured ‘on shed’ in 1988, probably at Immingham. This image has been kindly provided by Rail Image Collections. Photo by Paul Rothley © CC BY-NC 4.0

NEW BOOKS ON SALE

Not one but THREE new books to announce this week, with varied themes but all of great interest. More details will be provided next week, but each of these books is available to order, the Class 33 booklet being in stock already, the other two are due in to our stock in mid-November (orders can be placed now):

Part 1 of a 3-part series by Bernard Mills, this new book is sure to be a big success ! Click here to place your order (for shipment in mid-November).

Volume 2 of a 3-volume series by Michael Rhodes, this new book is going to be of great interest to many readers. Click here to place your order (for shipment in mid-November).

An A5 wirebound booklet that will be essential reading for operators and crew of the popular Class 33 ‘Cromptons’, this book will also be of value to those with a broader technical interest. Click here to order your copy.

There are many other new and pre-owned book titles on our online store – click here for details.

The DEPG 2026 A3 CALENDAR is available for sale and the recent uptick in shipments has prompted us to include it in the roundup ! Click here or on the following image to see a mini-presentation that steps through each page and gives the flavour of the contents. MANY THANKS to all of the photographers who donated their work for the benefit of the DEPG !

DEPG NEWS: our team of volunteers continue to share their time between working on locos and working on facilities that are needed to work on locos. The restoration of the ‘Niftylift’ ‘cherry picker’ is an example of this, because once restored and passed as safe to use, this handy machine will be used for all kinds of purposes, from washing locos through to clearing gutters and maintaining cranes. Very handy indeed.

The DEPG is a charity and is run entirely by volunteers, many of whom give both their time and their money to the continuance of work on the locos in the DEPG fleet. If you have been enjoying the roundup for free, have you considered joining us for just £1 a month ? You can then add your name to all of those helping out on the above projects and play your part in the future of our locos for a lot less than the price of a cup of coffee!

JOIN US using whichever membership class is appropriate for your situation and means. CLICK HERE or on the image below or use the QR code to get the details.

If you would like to go one step further and come along to help with the work on the locos in our fleet, then please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know that you would like to volunteer and we will respond with more details.

We look forward to hearing from you !

Go to the previous Roundup post