On Saturday 25th October 2025, just a few days after arriving at Williton, Class 08 shunter 08401 (D3516) was undergoing inspection while stabled on No 1 road between Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) on the left and Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 on the right. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0
THANK YOU VERY MUCH to all who have already donated to this appeal !
The DEPG have launched an appeal for donations toward the estimated £5,200 cost of converting newly-acquired Class 08 shunter 08401 (D3516) from air brake to dual brake by the restoration of the vacuum brake equipment that was originally fitted to the loco when built at Derby in 1958. Popular fundraising site Gofundme has been chosen for this short-term specific-purpose fundraiser, and we are delighted to report that we have received a pledge for match-funding that will double the value of any donations towards this cause. As a charity, the DEPG is also able to claim Gift Aid that will add another 25% to the value of donations, where the donor is a taxpayer and agrees to allow the DEPG to claim Gift Aid. It all adds up, so please help if you can and click here or on the images below, thank you very much !
This is a short-term appeal so please give this your attention and help if you can by making a donation via our website (click on the icons below) or by bank app or by sending a cheque to the DEPG at Williton. THANK YOU VERY MUCH !
BACKGROUND – by Ian Robins
D3516 (08401) was built at Derby Works in 1958 and is one of the standard BR 350 hp diesel-electric shunting locomotives of which around 1000 examples were built, latterly being designated Class 08. The loco was first allocated to Plymouth Laira shed, probably being amongst the first diesel shunters to be based in the area, and remained a West Country loco until 1968.
During its Western Region career, D3516 spent time allocated to St Blazey, Exmouth Junction, Exeter and Bristol Bath Road sheds.
While allocated to the later between 1966 and 1968, there is documentary evidence that the loco was sub-shedded at the old Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway shed at Radstock for a period. There it was involved in working coal trains between Writhlington colliery to and from Radstock for onward movement via the ex GWR North Somerset line following the closure of the S&D as a through route.
On a more melancholy note, the loco was also used on S&D demolition trains working down the closed line as far as Evercreech Junction over the line’s summit at Masbury.
In 1968 D3516 moved to the Eastern Region at Doncaster and was for some time Doncaster Works pilot loco. It was subsequently allocated to Frodingham (Scunthorpe) and Immingham sheds.
The loco was renumbered 08401 in 1974 whilst still carrying original BR green livery.
Withdrawn in 2004, it was then bought by the Hunslet Engine Company Ltd and used as a spot-hire loco at many varied locations around the country including a period at Edinburgh Craigentinny Depot.
Following an interesting career, the loco was finally used by Hunslet around three years ago when it was stood down due to a main generator fault. A refurbished main generator was fitted in September 2025 and the loco was then offered for sale to the DEPG in full working order and was delivered to Williton, West Somerset Railway on 23rd October 2025.
D3516 (08401) was originally built with vacuum brake but during a works overhaul at Swindon in 1978, all vacuum equipment was removed and the loco became air brake only, and has so far remained in that condition.
Although the loco is in working order, the lack of vacuum brake currently limits its usefulness at the
WSR.
It has been established that it will be feasible to reinstate the vacuum brake equipment on the loco and it is our intention to do so as soon as practical making it a dual-braked loco similar to the DEPG owned Class 09
D4107 (09019).
The standard design installation for a dual-braked loco will be followed. The DEPG already has a number of the required components in stock including an exhauster with some more items having been obtained from Hunslet and delivered with the loco. However, a number of items need to be obtained to complete the installation with the estimated costs shown below:
Annealed copper Tubing – £300
Brass BSP Pipe Fittings – £400
2” Steel (vacuum) pipe, bought in threaded – £1k
2” Malleable Iron fittings – £500
Vacuum Hoses, dummy fittings and swan necks – £1k
Pressure Regulator – £250
Electrical Conduit and Fittings – £250
Provision for Contract Work – £500
Plus an additional Screw Coupling – £1k
This fund raising appeal is held to ensure that the work to dual-brake this useful and historic loco can proceed with a projected completion date of mid-2026.
Thank You for your support.
We need help raising funds for the work that is being carried out. This is a short-term appeal so please give this your attention and help by making a donation via our website (click on the icons further below) or by bank app or by sending a cheque to the DEPG at Williton. THANK YOU VERY MUCH !
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING 08401 (D3516) !!
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