Weekly Roundup

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

The DEPG have acquired 1958-vintage Derby-built Class 08 ‘Shunter’ 08401 (D3516) from the Hunslet Engine Company. The fully-operational loco was pictured while being unloaded at Williton on Thursday 23rd October 2025 by S. A. Smith specialist hauliers. Photo by Tony Austin © CC BY-NC 3.0

The WSR’s AUTUMN STEAM WEEKEND took place from Friday 17th through Sunday 19th October and turned out to be a well-patronised event, although the weather tried to dampen it down with grey skies on Friday and Saturday and very wet and dismal weather on the Sunday. However, undeterred, the event went ahead and provided some excellent scenes with the additional interest of Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) operating on each of the three days. The crowds were evidently enjoying the spectacle regardless of the weather, so we hope that autumn events can become a regular feature in the calendar in years to come. WELL DONE to all involved in delivering this successful event !

Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page in case the motive power allocations change (we will TRY and keep this page aligned with the latest information).

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 weather held up well on Saturday 18th and allowed work to continue on the bogies outdoors. The target was the removal of the secondary suspension springs from the ‘A’ bogie, which involves having to heat up the four massive nuts (last week we said 8 nuts but 4 of them are lock nuts which are fairly easy to remove without heating) that are used to keep the coil springs properly tensioned. The nuts have a 2 inch thread diameter (51 mm) and have been in the same position and exposed to the elements for 50 years, so they do not want to come off. Previous experience with the ‘B’ bogie showed that a few minutes under the oxy-acetelene torch would be the answer and the nuts would then be easy to remove. However, the ‘A’ bogie put up much more of a fight, and work is ongoing using Colin Foxhall’s winching method to get the nuts removed without damaging the threads of the spring hanger itself. Here are some photos:

D1010 – the 2″ BSW nuts were heated using oxy-acetylene equipment and then the 70mm spanner and extension tube were used to try to slacken them – but to no avail. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 18th September 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

D1010 – the 2″ BSW nuts on the spring hangers were evidently putting up quite a fight ! Pictured at Williton on Saturday 18th September 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

Aside from the struggles on the ‘A’ bogie, the next step for the ‘B’ bogie will be to move it inside the loco shed so that the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) can take place using the Dye Penetrant Inspection process. The primary suspension leaf springs have now been refurbished at OWEN SPRINGS LTD. in Rotherham and will be on their way back to Williton during the coming days, so the need to get the NDT work completed has taken on additional significance.

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 has now returned to Williton so that her planned maintenance work can be continued and she will be undergoing some remedial work on her leaking engine room roof while back at Williton.

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco was in use on each of the three days of the Autumn Steam Weekend event that took place from Friday through Sunday 17-19th October. Currently the ‘duty loco’ stabled at Minehead, this loco will return to Williton for planned maintenance work during November and will then move to Bishops Lydeard, where she will remain throughout the winter.

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – now back at Williton and undergoing planned maintenance and condition monitoring checks. The loco is stabled on number 1 road at Williton.

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – we have been made aware of several additional running dates for this loco while on hire to the GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY (GCR) and they are tabulated below:

On Saturday 22nd November, a charter has been organised by DTG and DEPG member STEVE FULCHER. Here are the details, please contact Steve directly using the details below if you would like to ride on this special train. WELL DONE STEVE for arranging this, we hope that all seats get sold because that is the way to ensure that this will be the first of many such charters !

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work on the electrical system re-wire has resumed and plenty of progress has also been made on the rebuild of the Paxman ‘Ventura’ 6YJXL engine that last served in sister loco D9526. The first of the six pistons was re-installed in the engine block on Tuesday 21st October and the method of working was established that will allow the remaing five pistons to be installed this coming Tuesday. Another big step forward, well done team !

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 is the subject of a social media post by the West Somerset Railway – click this link to go the the WSR Facebook page.

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is stabled outdoors on Number 3 road at Williton and is available for use as required (it might get used to move 08410 to the South Yard on Saturday 25th).

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 – the photo by Andy Galpin showing Class 47 1677 ‘THOR’ (47091, 47647, 47846 then 57308 ‘TIN TIN’) at Crewe Works being prepared for a refresh to at least one of her ‘Full Yellow Ends’ (even though her two-tone green paintwork remained in a heavily faded condition) continues to generate responses, but we are still unclear as to what was being done and why.

The booklet ‘Class 47 Data File – Part 5B D1660-D1681‘ by R.P. Levett and P.M Jacques states that 47091 (1677) was the last of the ‘WR namers’ to go into blue livery, as late as September 1975 !

Here’s some feedback from DEPG volunteer Jon Tooke:

     “the bogies have either been sprayed over in black or they are a set of reconditioned ones but the fuel tanks and the battery boxes have yet to be painted, plus the roof and the cab look very shiny in a coat of black as some of the class received back in the day. The bufferbeam has been freshly painted into Signal Red colour and the covering on the buffers is evidence of this. The cocks on the ends of the air pipes have been painted red too, the yellow ends waiting to be done. The papers stuck to the side of the loco are possibly work orders (similar to the ones you send us on a regular basis!) relating to what work is required on the loco. The cab door has (probably) been painted yellow first and left ajar to stop the paint from drying hard and stopping the door from ever opening again!”

Class 47 1677 ‘THOR’ (47091, 47647, 47846 and then 57308 ‘TIN TIN’) was pictured in Crewe Works on 23rd July 1972 while receiving a refresh to her ‘full yellow ends’ with red buffer beam and a black roof – but curiously remaining in her faded two-tone green livery. Does anyone know why this piece of selective re-painting was carried out ? Photo by Andy Galpin © CC BY-NC 3.0

NEW BOOKS ON SALE

The FIFTH volume of ‘THE BEATEN TRACK’ by ANDY CHARD continues to sell well, as does the excellent ‘The Railways of SOUTH WALES 1975-1995‘ trilogy by Michael Rhodes, the latest release being PART 3 which is in stock at Williton now.

We have run out of time to update this feature this week but the next roundup will include information about a new release that will be of interest to crews and followers of the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’. Watch this space !

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 work of the infrastructure team often goes unseen and unsung, but not unappreciated. Here are some photos of tasks that were completed during the last weekend. Many thanks to Graham and Paul for their work on improving the facilities and amenities at Williton.

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

The WSR’s Autumn Steam Weekend (17-19 October 2025) is being augmented by Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) standing-in for a steam loco that could not be made available in time. The ’33’ has been pictured at Minehead on several previous mixed traction occasions, such as Tuesday 1st August 2023, with WSR 2-6-0 ‘Mogul’ 9351 due to depart next from the opposite platform. Photo by Tim Edmonds © CC BY-NC 3.0

The WSR’s AUTUMN STEAM WEEKEND is taking place from Friday 17th through Sunday 19th October, featuring an intensive gala timetable with several visiting locos including LSWR T3 Class 4-4-0 No. 563 and GWR Castle Class No. 5029 ‘NUNNEY CASTLE’. The lineup also includes Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) covering for GWR 4-6-0 7812 ‘ERLESTOKE MANOR’ which had to undergo repairs that could not be completed in time. The event also includes shunting activities taking place at Minehead and local services to/from Williton and Crowcombe Heathfield, in addition to extended services to Norton Fitzwarren. Several goods train movements are also included using a variety of traction types, all of which bodes well for future gala events on the WSR. From the Railcams, it is evident that the first day of the event was very well patronised, so we hope that autumn events can become a regular feature in the calendar going forward.

Here are the Class 33-hauled service times for the mixed traction treat this weekend:

Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page in case the motive power allocations change (we will TRY and keep this page aligned with the latest information).

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 weather forecast suggests that Saturday 18th will see the end of the dry weather for a while, so we will be continuing work on the bogies outdoors for as long as we can before moving to the backup tasks of cleaning and repainting the many parts that have already been removed from the bogies. The target this coming Saturday will be the removal of the secondary suspension springs from the ‘A’ bogie, which involves having to heat up the eight massive nuts that are used to keep the coil springs properly tensioned. The nuts have a 2 inch thread diameter (51 mm) and have been in the same position and exposed to the elements for 50 years, so they don’t want to come off. Previous experience with the ‘B’ bogie showed that a few minutes under the oxy-acetelene torch is the answer and the nuts will then be easy to remove.

The next step will be to move one of the bogies inside the loco shed so that the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) can take place using the Dye Penetrant Inspection process.

The primary suspension leaf springs are undergoing refurbishment at OWEN SPRINGS LTD. in Rotherham and will be on their way back to Williton during the next few weeks, which will then allow the reassembly work on the ‘B’ bogie to commence.

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 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 has now returned to Williton so that her planned maintenance work can be continued and she will be undergoing some remedial work on her leaking engine room roof while back at Williton.

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is in use during the Autumn Steam Weekend event that takes place from Friday through Sunday 17-19th October 2025. Click this link for details.

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – now back at Williton and undergoing planned maintenance and condition monitoring checks. The loco is stabled on number 1 road at Williton.

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco will be in use on the GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY (GCR) on Saturday 22nd November, this being a charter that has been organised by DTG and DEPG member STEVE FULCHER. Here are the details, please contact Steve directly using the details below if you would like to ride on this special train. WELL DONE STEVE for arranging this, we hope that it is the first of many such charters !

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work on the electrical system re-wire has resumed and plenty of progress has also been made on the rebuild of the Paxman ‘Ventura’ 6YJXL engine that last served in sister loco D9526. Work continues and we will have a new batch of photos shortly.

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 is a popular choice for the diesel-hauled services on that railway, subject to driver availability.

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is stabled outdoors on Number 3 road at Williton and was put to work on Saturday 11th October 2025 to shunt the yard so that the locos were in the correct sequence for subsequent use.

Barclay 578 (ROF 1) was at work in the yard at Williton on Saturday 11th October 2025 and is pictured after positioning Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 at the far end of number 1 road. Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) was on number 2 road. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

Barclay 578 (ROF 1) enjoyed her opportunity to be of use at Williton on Saturday 11th October 2025 and was pictured while returning to her stabling position via number 4 road. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

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

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

NEW CLOTHING RANGE:

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 – last week, we featured a photo by Andy Galpin showing Class 47 1677 ‘THOR’ (47091, 47647, 47846 then 57308 ‘TIN TIN’) at Crewe Works being prepared for a refresh to her ‘Full Yellow Ends’ even though her paintwork remained in a heavily faded condition. As the cab door was already yellow and was not being prepared for repainting, we wondered if the loco had received repairs to collision damage. Here’s the feedback we received from DEPG volunteer Viv Jones:

     “Regarding the latest weekly roundup, you wondered if 1677 had collision damage. The answer would be NO, because I read a series of articles in Railway Magazine at the time the Virgin ’57s’ were being created and Brush insisted they all had no accident damage. Indeed, they rejected one ’47’ they found to have damage after they had stripped it, and had it substituted by a different undamaged ’47’.”

Class 47 1677 ‘THOR’ (47091, 47647, 47846 and then 57308 ‘TIN TIN’) was pictured in Crewe Works on 23rd July 1972 while receiving a refresh to her ‘full yellow ends’ but curiously remaining in her faded two-tone green livery. Does anyone know why this piece of selective re-painting was carried out ? Photo by Andy Galpin © CC BY-NC 3.0

NEW BOOKS ON SALE – with apologies for the recent delays in shipping. Normal service will be resumed during the coming week.

The FIFTH volume of ‘THE BEATEN TRACK’ by ANDY CHARD continues to sell well, as does the excellent ‘The Railways of SOUTH WALES 1975-1995‘ trilogy by Michael Rhodes, the latest release being PART 3 which is in stock at Williton now.

We have run out of time to update this feature this week but the next roundup will include information about a new release that will be of interest to crews and followers of the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’. Watch this space !

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

DEPG NEWS: the next meeting of the Board of Directors and Trustees will take place at Williton on Saturday 18th October 2025. Please use our CONTACT FORM if you are a DEPG member and have a question that you would like to put to the Board.

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

The WSR’s Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) was working the 12:25 service from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead when pictured at Crowcombe Heathfield on Tuesday 30th September. The blue sky and bright sunshine has been with us for most of the autumn and is set to continue for a while longer. Photo by Jo Ward © CC BY-NC 3.0

In a surprise adjustment to the Operating Timetable, Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) has been rostered to substitute for the WSR’s Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) on Sunday 12th October because of non-availability of the DMU. Although the Class 33s are fitted with Electric Train Heating (ETH) equipment, this won’t be of help because the 1950s-era coaching stock on the WSR is not ETH-compatible and needs steam from the locomotive for heating. Luckily, the weather forecast is for mild and sunny weather, so the 40-mile afternoon trip from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and return should be pleasantly warm !

Each vehicle of the DMU is fitted with warm air heaters that provide heat through ducts at floor level, so the DMU is the ideal machine to use on the lighter-loaded services during the autumn. No doubt the WSR will have their Class 115 DMU repaired and back in service soon, but the three vehicles of the set are soon to be due for some major work which will keep them out of traffic for a while. Planning ahead, the WSR has acquired a Class 117 power car and two Class 108 trailers, the intention being to make one good Class 108 driving trailer to use with the Class 117 in a 2-car set to allow the Class 115 to undergo overhaul. Such ‘composite’ sets were operated in BR days, taking advantage of the ‘Blue Square’ multiple-working system that is used by many of the DMU classes.

DMUs were the mainstay of the Taunton-Minehead services from the mid-1960s through to closure of the line by BR in January 1971, so the DMU is a very important and highly relevant part of the WSR‘s heritage, as can be seen in the selection of vintage photos below:

The next event to be held on the WSR will be the AUTUMN STEAM WEEKEND that will take place from Friday 17th through Sunday 19th October and was to have been an all-steam lineup including LSWR T3 Class 4-4-0 No. 563 and GWR Castle Class No. 5029 ‘NUNNEY CASTLE’, but will now also include Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) covering for GWR 4-6-0 7812 ‘ERLESTOKE MANOR’ which has had to undergo repairs that cannot be completed in time. The weather forecast is surprisingly good, so let’s hope that the event is well attended so that it can become a regular feature in the calendar going forward.

Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page in case the motive power allocations change (we will TRY and keep this page aligned with the latest information).

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 unexpected improvement in the weather has allowed the bogies to remain accessible for work even though they are both still outdoors. At least one of the bogies will be moving inside the loco shed soon, so that the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) can take place using the Dye Penetrant Inspection process.

The primary suspension leaf springs are undergoing refurbishment at OWEN SPRINGS LTD. in Rotherham and will be on their way back to Williton during the next few weeks. Each bogie has six primary suspension leaf springs that bear down on the axle boxes and these are the most important springs in the suspension system. The secondary suspension transfers the weight of the loco body to the bogies and consists of two massive leaf springs and eight coil springs on each bogie. The secondary springs of the ‘B’ bogie have been tested and found to be within limits and will be returning to Williton with the refurbished primary springs. The secondary springs of the ‘A’ bogie have yet to be removed but will also undergo inspection and testing.

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 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 has now returned to Williton so that her planned maintenance work can be continued and has been rostered for duty on Sunday 12th October to cover for the DMU. The ’33’ will run ‘Light Engine’ (LE) from Williton on Sunday morning to work the 12:25 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and return service, then run ‘LE’ back to Williton.

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco remains outstationed at Minehead and is available to support WSR operations should the need arise – as it has during the forthcoming Autumn Steam Weekend event that takes place from Friday through Sunday 17-19th October 2025. Click this link for details.

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – now back at Williton after working the 80-mile diagrams that originated from Minehead on Saturday and Sunday 27/28 September. The loco also worked an Empty Coaching Stock (ECS) train on Tuesday 30th September and was pictured while returning ‘Light Engine’ to Williton later that day.

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco will be in use on the GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY (GCR) on Saturday 22nd November, this being a charter that has been organised by DTG and DEPG member STEVE FULCHER. Here are the details, please contact Steve directly using the details below if you would like to ride on this special train. WELL DONE STEVE for arranging this, we hope that it is the first of many such charters !

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work on the electrical system re-wire has resumed and plenty of progress has also been made on the rebuild of the Paxman ‘Ventura’ 6YJXL engine that last served in sister loco D9526. Here are some photos that have been provided by Terry:

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 is a popular choice for the diesel-hauled services on that railway, subject to driver availability.

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is stabled outdoors on Number 3 road at Williton and is available for use as required.

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

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

NEW CLOTHING RANGE:

Our supplier has encountered some production holdups so APOLOGIES again if your order has been delayed (let us know if you are still waiting in case we have slipped up), but don’t let that 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 jump back to July 1972 where we find Class 47 1677 ‘THOR’ (47091, 47647, 47846 then 57308 ‘TIN TIN’) at Crewe Works being prepared for a refresh to her ‘Full Yellow Ends’ even though her paintwork remained in a heavily faded condition. The cab door was already yellow and was not being prepared for repainting. Perhaps the loco had received repairs to collision damage ? Does anyone have the answer ?

This loco was delivered new to Cardiff Canton depot in April of 1965 and became one of the WR ‘namers’, in fact a very slightly younger sister to our own D1661 (47077, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’. She still operates on the main line today – but in her ‘bodysnatcher’ guise as 57308. Any information that you can provide to help build a picture of what happened to this loco in 1972 would be welcomed.

Many thanks to ANDY GALPIN for sharing another intriguing photo with us all.

Please continue to send in your photos of locos on shed, at the platform or in action, because we appreciate them all, any Class, any place, any time, the more varied, the better. Use our CONTACT FORM to get in touch. Thanks !

Class 47 1677 ‘THOR’ (47091, 47647, 47846 and then 57308 ‘TIN TIN’) was pictured in Crewe Works on 23rd July 1972 while receiving a refresh to her ‘full yellow ends’ but curiously remaining in her faded two-tone green livery. Collision damage repairs perhaps ? Photo by Andy Galpin © CC BY-NC 3.0

NEW BOOKS ON SALE – with apologies for delays in shipping sales orders this week and next.

The FIFTH volume of ‘THE BEATEN TRACK’ by ANDY CHARD continues to sell well, as does the excellent ‘The Railways of SOUTH WALES 1975-1995‘ trilogy by Michael Rhodes, the latest release being PART 3 which is in stock at Williton now. We will be updating this feature next week and including information about a new release that will be of interest to crews and followers of the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’. Watch this space !

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

DEPG NEWS: the next meeting of the Board of Directors and Trustees will take place at Williton on Saturday 18th October 2025. Please use our CONTACT FORM if you are a DEPG member and have a question that you would like to put to the Board.

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