Diesel and steam, working together on the WSR. Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) was pictured arriving at Williton on Saturday 26th July 2025 with a train for Bishops Lydeard while WSR 2-6-0 ‘Mogul’ 9351 waited at the platform with a train for Minehead. New volunteer Ethan W was in a position of safety while observing the proceedings. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The risk of lineside fire continues to cause difficulties for the WSR, as for many other heritage railways, where the need to run steam engines to maintain economically-viable levels of visitor patronage has to be tempered by the need to minimise the risk of fire damage to habitat and crops along the line.

The solution that has shown the best results is to use a diesel loco coupled between the steam loco and the coaching stock, with the diesel applying just enough power to keep the steam engine working, but keeping the steam power just below the level where cinders could be ejected from the chimney. This, combined with ashpan emptying and washing out at each end of the line, has shown to be a reasonable balance of entertainment and fire risk, so WELL DONE to all of the crews who have perfected this balancing act !

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 has been supporting the services that originate at Bishops Lydeard (and blending in very nicely with her Swindon-built counterparts) while Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) has being doing the same from the Minehead end of the line. The WSR steps up to the peak summer YELLOW timetable (5 trains each way per day) from Tuesday 5th August, with the Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) covering the additional out-and-back service that departs from Bishops Lydeard at 10:55 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout August and into early September.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 will be working the BRAKE VAN RIDES at the WSRA’s STEAM RALLY at Norton Field. This very popular event takes place on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August and has plenty to offer to people of all ages, with a huge range of fascinating exhibits plus refreshments of all kinds. The DEPG will be represented by Linda and Tony who will be manning a sales stand near to the Brake Van Ride area, so please do make a point of going along to see them.

 

The WSRA will be providing a FREE DMU SHUTTLE SERVICE between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren platform on both days of the event. Click on this link for the DMU SHUTTLE TIMETABLE.

FREE BUSES will be operating from several pick-up points nearby and are another efficient way of getting into and out of the exhibition grounds. Click on this link for a BUS TIMETABLE.

The WSR’s Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) was looking very smart when pictured at Blue Anchor on Thursday 31st July 2025, running empty to Bishops Lydeard to be in position for the WSRA’s STEAM RALLY SHUTTLE SERVICE. Photo by Robin Wichard © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 14 D9526 being tied up on Rally work means that Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday timetabled services from Bishops Lydeard will need to be operated by a steam loco alone, because Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) is out of action awaiting bogie repairs and Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 is available but cannot be crewed on those days. In the worst case, Class 09 D4107 (09019) might have to be drafted in for support !

Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019) was in use on Thursday 31st July 2025 shunting the heritage goods train into position for public viewing at the WSRA’s STEAM RALLY at Norton Field. Photo provided by the WSRA © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The coming week offers an interesting mixture of pure steam, pure diesel and mixed traction, so please 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 changes).

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was in use on Thursday 24th July 2025 in support of steam and was pictured at Minehead when attached to the rear of a train bound for Bishops Lydeard. Photo by Rich Hiscox © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

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

For details of planned diesel-hauled services, please click here or on the banner below to visit our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page and sign up to our DIESELGEN bulletin service for advance notification of unplanned services.

 

OTHER BIG NEWS THIS WEEK:

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 celebrated FIFTY YEARS IN PRESERVATION on Wednesday 30th July, being the Golden Anniversary of her departure from BR’s Old Oak Common depot (near Paddington) and her arrival at Taunton to await onward transfer to the fledgling West Somerset Railway. The weather that day was extremely hot and the two D+EG (the forerunner of the DEPG) representatives on board, namely John Crane and Clive Burrows, have plenty of stories to tell about that amazing and most interesting journey.

Read more about this loco in our booklet D7017 – Fifty Years of ‘Hymek’ Preservation – available from our online store or from our sales stand at the Steam Rally.

 

HST NEWS:

Ex-GWR ‘Castle Class’ HST set comprising power car 43155 leading, then four Mark 3 carriages then power car 43154 trailing, was pictured passing Class 14 D9526 en route for Norton Fitzwarren and Network Rail metals on Thursday 31st July 2025. Pictured at Bishops Lydeard by Paul Fleet © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The ex-GWR ‘Castle Class’ HST set that had been stored on the WSR for some time has now left the railway, at least for the time being, to start a new chapter of life based at Carnforth in the care of the West Coast Railway Company (WCRC). The set moved from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard on Wednesday 30th July and left for Carnforth on Thursday 31st, but only got as far as Taunton before being failed due to a non-functional GSM-R radio, an item of equipment that was not in use when the set was based on the WSR. No doubt this will be repaired quickly and the set will get to Carnforth without further delay.

Having the HST on the WSR has generated fierce debate, ranging from those who wanted it to stay and become a regular feature, to those who saw it as an infiltrator that needed to be banished immediately. Suffice it to say that the majority – and most visitors (those who pay to ride the railway) – were less polarised and many appreciated the quiet and comfortable way in which the HST blended-in alongside steam and diesel locomotives of a slightly earlier era – remember that the HSTs are almost 50 years old !

Who can predict the future ? We may get to see this HST or a different HST on the WSR again some time. Meanwhile, HSTs are working daily on the main line between Exeter and Penzance, so make sure that you get down to Devon and Cornwall and ride behind them while they are still in service.

Ex-GWR ‘Castle Class’ HST set with power car 43155 leading and 43154 trailing, was pictured at Splash Point while climbing out from Watchet toward Bishops Lydeard on Wednesday 30th July 2025. Photo by Alan Turner © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the team are concentrating their efforts on the two bogies to get them ready for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) using the Dye Penetrant Process, after which we can then start the process of re-fitting parts, rather than removing them !

The primary suspension springs were removed from the ‘A’ bogie last weekend and will be going out to a specialist spring manufacturer together with the complete set of springs from the ‘B’ bogie for testing and evaluation. Hopefully, they will all be OK for further use, which will be the best outcome and will minimise the demands on the D1010 Restricted Fund that holds all of the donations that have been made to the D1010 restoration appeal over the last few years.

In parallel, arrangements are being made for the replacement pins, bushings and bearings that will be needed when re-assembling the suspension system, with a view to getting the loco back on its bogies before the winter. If this sounds like a tall order, it is, so COME ALONG AND HELP US MAKE IT HAPPEN !

Get in touch using our CONTACT FORM and we will send you the volunteering application form and take it from there. 

D1010 – the ‘B’ bogie in the foreground is being worked on by Ian F while Jeffery (on the left) cleans up the six primary suspension leaf springs that have just been removed from the ‘A’ bogie. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 26th July 2025 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – also in the queue for cleaning up are the thrust brackets and dampers from the ‘A’ bogie, visible on the pallet in front of Jeffrey. The springs (16 per bogie) and the dampers (2 per bogie) will be sent out for specialist overhaul. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 26th July 2025 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations.

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is being kept very busy and will be outstationed at either Bishops Lydeard or Minehead according to the requirements of the WSR Operations Department.

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is now at Williton having been towed there by Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019) on Monday 28th July. The various cables, hoses and bellows were disconnected from the bogies while the loco was over the pit at Bishops Lydeard on Saturday 26th July, resulting in a team of very dirty Class 33 volunteers showing up at Williton later that day. Having the brake hoses disconnected resulted in the loco being unbraked and needing to have a brake van attached at the rear when being towed – which explains the rather unusual consist that was photographed at Bishops Lydeard on the Sunday evening, all prepared and ready to go early the following morning.

D6575 (33057) – pictured at Bishops Lydeard on the evening of Sunday 27th July 2025, Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019) was in position ready to head to Williton the following morning, with a brake van attached to the rear, as required when towing an unbraked vehicle. Photo by Dave Fowler © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The loco is expected to be lifted on Monday 4th August for further inspection and to allow bogie repairs to take place. Returning D6575 to service will become the priority of all DEPG volunteers as this loco is needed to support the WSR through the peak summer timetable. However, the work is likely to take a few weeks as several specialised subcontract operations need to be undertaken.

Moving the loco to Williton on Monday 28th July resulted in a very unusual sight – that of SEVEN DEPG LOCOMOTIVES at Williton at the same moment – almost unheard of at the height of summer !

From Left to Right: Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018, Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048), Barclay 578 (ROF 1), Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’, Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526, Class 33 D6575 (33057) and just visible behind the 33, Class 09 D4107 (09019). Image taken from the Williton railcam on Monday 28th July 2025, courtesy of Railcam UK and the WSR © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – we are VERY close to getting this loco back to our Williton depot so that we can prepare her for some test running, with only the formal inspection and engine pre-start work to be done, along with some painting. We are very grateful to everyone who has worked on D7017 during her bodywork overhaul. Your efforts will be unveiled soon and will be a fitting tribute to this loco, in HER FIFTIETH YEAR IN PRESERVATION !

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – it has not been possible to move this loco to Norton Fitzwarren for display during the WSRA’s STEAM RALLY event, so we apologise for the disappointment. The loco is at Williton and is fully serviceable and available to the WSR for use as a ‘Thunderbird’ loco if required.

We are getting close to being able to announce the timetabling for our 50 YEARS of HYMEKS weekend, the 30th and 31st August, where we expect to have both of our ‘Hymeks’ in use, both singly and together.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work on the engine rebuild has slowed down due to resources being applied to D9526 to get her ready to support the WSR through the peak summer season. Work continues on the electrical wiring and on the preparation of the many components parts that are needed to complete this locomotive.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – as previously reported, this loco will be working the BRAKE VAN RIDES at the WSRA’s annual STEAM RALLY at Norton Fitzwarren on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August 2025.

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be in regular use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and is definitely a firm favourite for passengers and crews alike. Please continue to send in your photographs of our ‘celebrity’ loco while she is at work on the Moors. Thanks !

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is available for service 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:

The new range of clothing that was launched at the SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL is a massive success and has resulted in a logjam or orders at our supplier, who appear to be a victim of their own success!

The short-term supply crunch is being caused by the many railway groups who ordered stock in advance of the ‘Rail 200’ and ‘Greatest Gathering’ events that are taking place in August and September. Once these stock orders have been fulfilled, we expect to see a return to the two-week turnaround for new orders. APOLOGIES if your order has been delayed, but don’t delay if you want some of this new clothing, PLACE YOUR 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 in the works are similarly configurable ranges covering the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ and the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ with those garments likely to be available later in August. Here’s a taster 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:

Garment type	Price
T shirt	£22
Polo shirt	£25
Sweatshirt	£35
Hoodie	£37
Fleece	£40
Other ? Tell us what you want !	Use our CONTACT FORM

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

Another ‘on shed’ photo this week from the collection of DEPG member ANDY GALPIN, this time ‘under the wires’ at Crewe, with Class 47 1996 (47294) towing Class 76 ‘EM1’ 1500V DC electric locomotives away from the works where they all appear to have received attention. Number 26049 was at the rear, but the number of the centre loco has been mislaid. Perhaps you saw this consist on the move that day and can provide the missing number ? If yes, please get in touch by using our CONTACT FORM.

MANY THANKS to Andy for sharing his 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 !

Crewe Works on the 26th August 1970, and four-year-old Class 47 1996 (47294) was pictured towing two 1952-vintage Class 76 ‘EM1’ 1500V DC electric locos back to their home on the Manchester-Sheffield route. The rearmost loco was 26049 but the number of the centre loco has been mislaid. Can you help identify it ? Photo by Andy Galpin © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

NEW BOOK ON SALE

The FIFTH volume of ‘THE BEATEN TRACK’ has now been released and is available to order via the DEPG’s online store. This series of books by ANDY CHARD has been an amazing success, and we expect this fifth volume to be equally impressive and as succesful as the earlier releases. Well done Andy !

Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £35.95 per copy)

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

 

DEPG NEWS:

The date of the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) will be Saturday 13th September and the meeting will be held at Williton as usual. We will be sending the AGM information package out during August.

Continued progress has been made of the restoration of our ‘NiftyLift’ cherry picker, with Tony and JT working on the electrics last week and sorting out the mess of wiring that will no doubt have caused the machine to become unreliable in the past. No doubt it will work nicely in the future !

DEPG volunteer Tony was working with ‘JT’ to sort out the wiring issues on the pre-owned ‘Niftylift’ cherry picker that has recently been acquired by the DEPG. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 26th July 2025 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The overhaul of the pre-owned ‘Niftylift’ cherry picker is progressing rapidly, as this photo of the reworked wiring shows. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 26th July 2025 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

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

A floral tribute was carried on each service that ran on the WSR last weekend, 19/20th July, in memory of the young life that was sadly lost in the A396 road incident on Exmoor just a few days previously. Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) was so adorned when arriving at Bishops Lydeard on Saturday 20th. Class 09 D4107 (09019) is visible on the left. Photo by Mike Pinn © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The ‘West Somerset Steam Express‘ from London Paddington to Minehead and return also carried a wreath while on WSR metals. The Stanier ‘Black Five’ 4-6-0 45212 worked through to Minehead where she was turned for her journey back to Paddington. Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) was at the platform waiting for her booked departure time. Photo by Mike Pinn © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

And later in the day at Minehead, the ‘West Somerset Steam Express‘ was at the platform with Class 47 47812 (D1916, 47239, 47657) in the supporting role. Also visible (L-R) are the ex-GWR ‘Castle Class’ HST (43154 and 43155), then Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) then the WSR’s Class 115 DMU. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The ongoing period of dry weather may have been punctuated by occasional and sometimes heavy rainfall, but the lineside vegetation dries out again in a matter of hours and remains a significant fire risk. The addition of some diesel power reduces the need for the steam locos to exert so much effort, in turn reducing the risk of hot cinders being ejected from their chimneys, but still gives visitors the sight and sound of steam. This approach is favoured for the longer and heavier trains that originate from Bishops Lydeard.

Last week saw Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 at work supporting steam successfully on Saturday, Sunday and most of Tuesday, but the loco started to run roughly toward the end of the day and had to be left at Williton for attention. Luckily, the issue was quickly traced to a loose coupling on a fuel injector pump and the loco was made ready for service again.

On Sunday 20th July 2025, D9526 worked the 10:15 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead service and the associated 80-mile diagram. Pictured at Bishops Lydeard by Steven Beale © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

This temporary loss of D9526 meant that some services had to be operated by a steam loco alone and some by the WSR’s Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU), with Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 also having to take some of the load, the ‘Hymek’ supporting the steam loco on two services in the afternoon of Thursday 24th.

The coming week offers a similar mixture of pure steam, pure diesel and mixed traction, so please 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 changes).

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was in use on Thursday 24th July 2025 in support of steam. The ‘Hymek’ will also be in use supporting a steam service on Thursday 31st July. Pictured at Williton ready for her ‘Light Engine’ (LE) move to Bishops Lydeard by Bill Johnson © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

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

For details of planned diesel-hauled services, please click here or on the banner below to visit our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page and sign up to our DIESELGEN bulletin service for advance notification of unplanned services.

 

COMING UP SOON:

 

LOCO NEWS: – apologies for the very ‘light report’ this week, due to time constraints.

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the team continued their work on the bogies and brake parts, and also held a team meeting to review the outstanding tasks and adjust the priorities. More on this next week.

Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations.

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is being kept very busy and will be outstationed at either Bishops Lydeard or Minehead according to the requirements of the WSR Operations Department.

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco underwent a bogie and underframe inspection at Bishops Lydeard last Sunday 20th, the outcome being that the loco has to be lifted from her bogies to confirm that the bogie pivot castings have not suffered any damage. The loco is being prepared for movement to Williton, where she will be lifted using the four 25-tonne electrically-operated jacks that were originally used at BR’s Bristol Bath Road depot. The move to Williton will involve Class 09 D4107 (09019) and a brake van, and will take place early on Monday morning, 28th July.

Returning D6575 to service will become the priority of all DEPG volunteers as this loco is needed to support the WSR through the peak summer timetable.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – we are VERY close to getting the loco back to our Williton depot so that we can prepare her for some test running in early August, perhaps with D7018 for company. We are very grateful to everyone who has worked on D7017 during her bodywork overhaul. Your efforts will be unveiled soon.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco was in use on Thursday 24th July and is booked to be in use on Saturday 26th (in the evening) and again on Thursday 31st July. This loco will then move to Norton Fitzwarren to be on display during the WSRA’s STEAM RALLY event.

We are close to being able to announce the timetabling for our 50 YEARS of HYMEKS weekend, the 30th and 31st August, where we expect to have both of our ‘Hymeks’ in use, both singly and together.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work on the engine rebuild has slowed down due to resources being applied to D9526 to get her ready to support the WSR through the peak summer season. Work continues on the electrical wiring and on the preparation of the many components parts that are needed to complete this locomotive.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – as previously reported, this loco developed a rough-running engine issue while in use on Tuesday 22nd July, but the problem was quickly solved and the loco will be released back to traffic on Saturday 25th. This loco is next booked to work the BRAKE VAN RIDES at the WSRA’s annual STEAM RALLY at Norton Fitzwarren on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August 2025.

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be in regular use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and is definitely a firm favourite for passengers and crews, and was a magnet for our volunteer loco manager Ian Robins when he was holidaying ‘Up North’ recently. Please continue to send in your photographs of our ‘celebrity’ loco while she is at work on the Moors. Thanks !

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is available for service 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:

The new range of clothing that was launched at the SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL is a massive success and has resulted in a logjam or orders at our supplier, who appear to be a victim of their own success!

The short-term supply crunch is being caused by the many railway groups who are ordering stock in advance of the ‘Rail 200’ and ‘Greatest Gathering’ events that are coming up in August and September. Once these stock orders have been fulfilled, we expect to see a return to the two-week turnaround for new orders. APOLOGIES if your order has been delayed, but don’t delay if you want some of this new clothing, PLACE YOUR 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 in the works are similarly configurable ranges covering the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ and the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ with those garments likely to be available later in August. Here’s a taster 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:

Garment type	Price
T shirt	£22
Polo shirt	£25
Sweatshirt	£35
Hoodie	£37
Fleece	£40
Other ? Tell us what you want !	Use our CONTACT FORM

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

Another definitely ‘on shed’ photo this week comes from the collection of DEPG member ANDY GALPIN, who shared a series of his shots from Didcot and Reading with us recently. Here’s the information that Andy has provided with his photograph:

   “1634 at the back of Bletchley depot 15^th August 1970, with an AM10 unit (later Class 310) in the background. The ladder and the open roof hatch still make me smile. Afraid I was there ‘unofficially’ but, nearly 55 years later, I reckon I’m quite safe!”

 

Does anyone have any idea as to what might have been taking place here ? If yes, please get in touch by using our CONTACT FORM.

MANY THANKS to Andy for sharing his 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 !

Bletchley Depot on the 15th August 1970, and six-year-old Class 47 1634 (47052) was undergoing some kind of ‘al fresco’ maintenance involving an open roof and a ladder. This loco entered service on 10th November 1964 and worked for more than 38 years before being withdrawn and sent for scrap in April of 2003. Not a bad innings. Photo by Andy Galpin © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

NEW BOOKS ON SALE

We continue to receive orders for the two NEW BOOKS that we added to stock recently. The second in the three-part series ‘The Railways of South Wales 1975-1995‘ by Michael Rhodes is now available and we also have stock of the companion series ‘RAILWAYS OF THE NORTH EAST 1975-1995‘ by the same author. Both books are of high quality and are available via our online store.

 

 

We also have stock of the NEW BOOK entitled ABSOLUTELY WESTERNS that has been compiled by Roger Geach from photos taken by the late Peter Crawley, and we have the NEW BOOKLET that has recently been released by DEPG Publicity Officer MARK BLADWELL covering DEPG ‘Hymek’ D7017. This booklet is currently IN STOCK and available for sale via our online store.

This new booklet has 64 printed pages of glossy A4 and includes information about the ‘Hymeks’ and about D7017 in particular, covering both phases of her life – the first 13 years in BR service and the last 50 years in the care of the DEPG. Priced at £15 per copy, this book can be ordered from our website NOW.

Don’t forget to consider adding Roger’s new book to your shopping basket as well ……

Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £17.50 per copy) and in doing so, supporting the restoration of D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’. A BOOK REVIEW on this new publication has been provided by regular correspondent NEALE LONG and will be posted online during the next few days. Please check this link periodically until the review appears. Thank you Neale !

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

 

DEPG NEWS:

The date of the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) will be Saturday 13th September and the meeting will be held at Williton as usual. We will be sending the AGM information package out in early August, along with the next edition of the DEPG Quarterly Newsletter.

 

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 floral tributes lined up outside Minehead Middle School on Friday 18th July 2025 as a mark of respect for the life lost and the injuries sustained in the A396 road incident on Exmoor the previous day. Photo by Getty Images via the BBC © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

This edition of Roundup starts on a sombre note as we reflect on the sadness affecting West Somerset at this time. The DEPG are deeply saddened by the incident on the A396 on Exmoor on Thursday 17th July. Our thoughts go out to all those in our local community who have been affected by this tragedy.

 

Even the weather has become dark and heavy, replacing the blue sky and intense heat of one week prior and allowing the WSR to plan for a return to steam haulage for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday next week, on account of the rain that is forecast between now and then.

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 was in use on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 15-17th July 2025 in support of the WSR’s unique 4-6-0 ‘Mogul’ 9351. Pictured at Crowcombe Heathfield on Tuesday by Jo Ward © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The sun has also set on the very successful visit of the ‘FLYING SCOTSMAN‘ with the last of the special services completing their runs with the support of Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) on Sunday 13th July. The mixed traction workings were made necessary by the intense heat and dryness that had turned the lineside vegetation into tinder, making it a significant fire risk. The addition of some diesel power reduced the need for the steam locos to exert so much effort, in turn reducing the risk of hot cinders being ejected from their chimneys. It was a strategy that worked well and allowed visitors to continue enjoying the sight and sound of steam. Although the ‘Scotsman‘ has spark arrestors fitted for mainline use, these devices reduce the risk of fires but do not eliminate the risk, so some diesel power was added to counter the extreme weather conditions.

D6566 (33048) was supporting 4-6-2 ‘Pacific’ 60103 ‘FLYING SCOTSMAN‘ on Sunday 13th July 2025, pictured at Williton as the pair hauled a late evening dining special back to Bishops Lydeard on the last run of this famous steam loco on the WSR for 2025. Photo by Kiru Cross © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The ongoing concern about the weather has again resulted in the planned YELLOW timetable being scaled back to a BLUE timetable for Tues/Weds/Thurs 22/23/24th July, but the rainfall that is forecast on Sunday and Monday should allow a return to steam operation on those days.

For Saturday 19th, Class 14 D9526 will again operate with 2-6-0 ‘Mogul’ 9351 on the diagram that starts at Bishops Lydeard (10:15 departure onwards) and Class 33 D6566 (33048) will operate on the diagram that starts at Minehead (10:00 departure onwards).

An additional service that results in some re-timing of the standard timetable on Saturday is the ‘WEST SOMERSET STEAM EXPRESS‘ railtour, originating at Paddington and due to be hauled by Stanier ‘Black Five’ 4-6-0 45212 with Class 47 47812 (D1916, 47239, 47657) supporting. This train runs right through to Minehead, bringing another famous loco to the WSR (45212 was one of the very last steam locos to operate in BR service back in 1968).

On Sunday 20th, diesels will rule the roost, with Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 working the Bishops Lydeard diagram and Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) working the diagram that starts from Minehead (keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page in case the motive power allocations change).

 

A weather-related issue has resulted in the temporary loss of Class 33 D6575 (33057) from the active loco fleet, so the ‘Thunderbird’ loco last weekend was Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018. 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was on ‘warm standby’ in the yard at Williton on Saturday 12th July 2025 for possible use as the ‘Thunderbird’ loco, starting the day with an engine run to confirm that all systems were ‘go’. Click here or on the image above to play the video. Apologies for the camera shake towards the end – it was VERY hot in the intense sunshine! Video clip by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

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

For details of planned diesel-hauled services, please click here or on the banner below to visit our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page and sign up to our DIESELGEN bulletin service for advance notification of unplanned services.

 

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the team took advantage of the relative coolness of the loco shed to continue work on cleaning up the many bogie parts and progress them towards readiness for re-fitting. The visit by professional loco examiner MATT HIGHAM resulted in some very welcome good news when he determined that the brake rigging of both the ‘A’ and the ‘B’ bogies was well within wear limits and could be re-fitted to the bogie after cleaning, painting and re-greasing. This means a saving of the replacement cost of the many pins and bushings that are involved in the brake rigging, and allows us to focus on the suspension components, most of which are quite heavily worn and will need to undergo refurbishment and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT).

On his next visit, Matt will attend to the air system on the loco and replace some lengths of corroded pipework, a task that is made a lot easier by having the engines and transmissions out of the loco. However, in the blazing sunshine of last week, the temperature inside the loco body was far too high to allow anything more than a cursory examination, so this work has had to be deferred to his next visit.

D1010 – the bogie damper was the subject of Andy P’s attention at Williton on Saturday 12th July 2025, when temperatures outdoors were far too hot for comfortable working. The damper has to go out for specialist testing, but at least it will look respectable ! Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

As mentioned before, apologies to those D1010 sponsors who have yet to receive the photos and certificates for the patches that they have sponsored. We have re-started engraving the patches but there is quite a backlog, so please bear with us while we catch up.

MANY THANKS to all who have sponsored and supported the RESTORATION of D1010 !

 

Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations.

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is now the Duty Loco and will be outstationed at either Bishops Lydeard or Minehead according to the requirements of the WSR Operations Department.

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is at Bishops Lydeard and is awaiting an underframe and bogie inspection after being involved in a low-speed derailment of one bogie while shunting outside Westridge Shed, Bishops Lydeard on Thursday 10th July 2025. This derailment is still the subject of a formal enquiry, so we won’t be giving any details at this time, but we hope to get permission to move the loco to Williton soon, and then we can make a start on the work needed to return her to service.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – the re-painting of this loco has progressed rapidly and we are close to getting the loco back to our Williton depot so that we can paint the underframe and bogies and attend to the various maintenance tasks (electrical machine checks and engine checks). We hope to get the loco back in the next week or two and prepare her for some test running in early August, perhaps with D7018 for company.

MANY THANKS to Harry Spencer for working as a volunteer to help the DEPG conserve funds following the unexpectedly high amount of work that had to be carried out on bodywork corrosion repairs. The roof panels were lifted back into place on Tuesday 15th using the WSR’s ‘Atlas’ rail-mounted crane, with WSR volunteer Andrew Forster in charge, again helping the DEPG to minimise the overall expense. We are very grateful to everyone who has worked on D7017 during her bodywork overhaul. Your efforts will be unveiled soon.

The fund for the bodywork overhaul of D7017 has TOPPED £20,000 but we will need to keep it open a while longer to cover the cost over-run. MANY THANKS to all who have contributed to this amazing result and in doing so, have secured the future of this locomotive.

 

The fund is still open, so please consider contributing if you can. THANK YOU VERY MUCH !

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco was made available to cover the ‘Thunderbird’ duties over the weekend of 12/13th July, but before we could make that commitment, we had to deal with a simple but critical issue that had cropped up during the last day of the Summer Diesel Festival – the horns had stopped working !

The horns on a ‘Hymek’ are quite exposed on the roof of the cab and do not have any grille or mesh to protect them from debris entering and building up internally. The risks of working at height make it difficult to remove and clean the horns as often as we would like, so the job tends to wait until more than one horn starts to become intermittent. Add to that a failure of one of the horn valves on the driver’s desk and the result is a ‘stopped’ loco.

Luckily, the ‘Transmission Team’ came to the rescue by erecting a safety tower around the cab of the loco so that they could work safely and remove each horn in turn for cleaning and re-tuning. The valve was treated to a new set of rubber seals, and all four horns now work properly again. Thank you guys !

D7018 – the horns on the cab roof at ‘A’ end have now been returned to their normal operation after intervention by the ‘Transmission Team at Williton on Tuesday 15th July 2025. The cable tie is temporary. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D7018 – the rubber seal in the horn valve on the driver’s desk at ‘B’ end had disintegrated, rendering the horns out of order at that end of the loco. All four horns are now working properly again. Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 15th July 2025 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

We hope to use D7018 in support of the test running of sister D7017 during early August, as we build up to our 50 YEARS of HYMEKS weekend, the 30th and 31st August, where we expect to have both of our ‘Hymeks’ in use, both singly and together.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work on the engine rebuild has slowed down due to resources being applied to D9526 to get her ready to support the WSR through the peak summer season. Work continues on the electrical wiring and on the preparation of the many components parts that are needed to complete this locomotive.

 

 

 

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco was worked from Williton to Bishops Lydeard on Saturday 12th July 2025 so that she could position over the pit for an underframe lubrication and examination. The intention was for the loco to return to Williton afterwards so that the paintwork could be finished, but the Operating Department had other plans and the loco was ‘grabbed’ and kept at Bishops Lydeard to be in position for service on Tuesday 15th July in support of a steam loco, as covered previously.

We will need to take whatever opportunity we can to get the loco under cover so that the paintwork can be finished off. This loco is booked to work the BRAKE VAN RIDES at the WSRA’s annual STEAM RALLY at Norton Fitzwarren on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August 2025.

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be in regular use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and is definitely a firm favourite for passengers and crews, and was a magnet for our volunteer loco manager Ian Robins when he was holidaying ‘Up North’ recently. As the official representative of the DEPG, he was provided with a cab pass and was able to assess the loco as it worked between Pickering and Grosmont. His verdict – EXCELLENT INDEED!

Please continue to send in your photographs of our ‘celebrity’ loco while she is at work on the Moors. Thanks !

47077 – the view from the cab at Grosmont, with resident Class 31 31128 (D5546) ‘Charybdis’ ahead. Pictured on 11th July 2025 by Ian Robins © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

47077 – the man himself, volunteer DEPG loco manager Ian R alongside our ‘celebrity loco’ at Levisham, en route to Pickering. Pictured on 11th July 2025 by Ian Robins © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is available for service 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:

The new range of clothing that was launched at the SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL is a massive success and has resulted in a logjam or orders at our supplier, who appear to be a victim of their own success!

The short-term supply crunch is being caused by the many railway groups who are ordering stock in advance of the ‘Rail 200’ and ‘Greatest Gathering’ events that are coming up in August and September. Once these stock orders have been fulfilled, we expect to see a return to the two-week turnaround for new orders. APOLOGIES if your order has been delayed, but don’t delay if you want some of this new clothing, PLACE YOUR 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 in the works are similarly configurable ranges covering the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ and the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ with those garments likely to be available later in August. Here’s a taster 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:

Garment type	Price
T shirt	£22
Polo shirt	£25
Sweatshirt	£35
Hoodie	£37
Fleece	£40
Other ? Tell us what you want !	Use our CONTACT FORM

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

We are most definitely ‘on shed’ this week with a great image of the ‘new’ gathering to displace the ‘old’ at Plymouth Laira depot on the very hot and bright Friday, 11th July 2025. The occasion was a visit by the Plymouth Railway Circle, including well known author and DEPG member BERNARD MILLS.

The ‘new’ takes the form of Class 175 ‘Coradia’ diesel-hydraulic multiple units, built in 1999 by Alstom at Washwood Heath, Birmingham. These units have been cascaded from their previous operator, Transport for Wales (TfW) and are now being taken on by GWR for use in Devon and Cornwall. The ‘old’ takes the form of the Class 43 diesel-electric power cars and Mark 3 coaches that comprise the ‘Castle Class’ HSTs or ‘High Speed Trains’, dating back to 1976 – so definitely ‘older’, but still highly competent and a much loved form of transport, sadly now in their twilight months. RIDE ON THEM WHILE YOU STILL CAN !

MANY THANKS to Bernard for sharing his 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 !

 

A hot and bright summer’s day at Plymouth Laira depot with the ‘new’ (1999!) Class 175 units amassing and preparing to take over from the ‘old’ Class 43 ‘Castle’ sets. From Left to Right, 175007, 175009, 175002, 43198 and 43093. Pictured on Friday 11th July 2025 by Bernard Mills © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

NEW BOOKS ON SALE

We continue to receive orders for the two NEW BOOKS that we added to stock recently. The second in the three-part series ‘The Railways of South Wales 1975-1995‘ by Michael Rhodes is now available and we also have stock of the companion series ‘RAILWAYS OF THE NORTH EAST 1975-1995‘ by the same author. Both books are of high quality and are available via our online store.

 

 

We also have stock of the NEW BOOK entitled ABSOLUTELY WESTERNS that has been compiled by Roger Geach from photos taken by the late Peter Crawley, and we have the NEW BOOKLET that has recently been released by DEPG Publicity Officer MARK BLADWELL covering DEPG ‘Hymek’ D7017. This booklet is currently IN STOCK and available for sale via our online store.

This new booklet has 64 printed pages of glossy A4 and includes information about the ‘Hymeks’ and about D7017 in particular, covering both phases of her life – the first 13 years in BR service and the last 50 years in the care of the DEPG. Priced at £15 per copy, this book can be ordered from our website NOW.

Don’t forget to consider adding Roger’s new book to your shopping basket as well ……

Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £17.50 per copy) and in doing so, supporting the restoration of D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’. A BOOK REVIEW on this new publication has been provided by regular correspondent NEALE LONG and will be posted online during the next few days. Please check this link periodically until the review appears. Thank you Neale !

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

 

DEPG NEWS:

The date of the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) will be Saturday 13th September and the meeting will be held at Williton as usual. We will be sending the AGM information package out in early August, along with the next edition of the DEPG Quarterly Newsletter.

 

 

 

 

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 ex-GWR ‘Castle Class’ HST (power car 43155 leading, 43154 trailing) was out and about on Saturday 5th July 2025, and was preparing to depart for Bishops Lydeard while Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) waited at the opposite platform with a service for Minehead. Pictured at Crowcombe Heathfield by Jason Prole © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

This edition of Roundup has been modified to include some news that applies to the coming week, rather than the customary focus on the events of the previous week. This is because the extremely hot weather conditions are causing operational issues that have already led to the cancellation of all services on Friday 11th July and will impact services in the week to come.

The ‘FLYING SCOTSMAN‘ services that had to be cancelled on Friday 11th have been re-scheduled for SUNDAY 13th July and will REPLACE the Blue Timetable services on that day. This means that there will be no public services on Sunday 13th.

To reduce the risk of lineside fires, the published YELLOW timetable has been scaled back to a BLUE timetable for Tues/Weds/Thurs 15/16/17th July with one loco in steam on the diagram that starts at Bishops Lydeard and either D6566 (33048) or the DMU on the diagram that starts from Minehead (keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page in case the motive power allocations change).

The weekend of 19/20th July is currently expected to operate as planned with the continuance of the BLUE timetable. The plan for the following week will be reviewed when the weather conditions for that week can be more precisely determined.

 

The weather-related issue has resulted in the temporary loss of Class 33 D6575 (33057) from the active loco fleet, so the ‘Thunderbird’ loco this coming weekend will be Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018. We will also have Class 14 D9526 available soon, as she is due to run to Bishops Lydeard on Saturday 12th to undergo an underframe examination, after which we hope to release her to traffic, even though her re-paint is not quite finished.

 

Last week, we included an article about manning the ‘Thunderbird’ rescue loco D6566 (33048) on a hot and sunny day, but we need DEPG Secondman and Publicity Officer MARK BLADWELL back this weekend to honour Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 with his former Class 57 nameplate on what will be an even hotter and sunnier couple of days !

And yes, the photo below is made up from two separate photos, just in case you think your eyes are playing tricks on you !

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was pictured in the yard at Williton on Saturday 5th July 2025 by Jon Tooke. The image of Mark Bladwell and his SCOTT TRACY of ‘THUNDERBIRDS‘ nameplate (from 57301) is an extract from a photo dated 2nd July 2025 by Mark Bladwell © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Here’s an UPDATED table of JULY dates to show what is running and when (AS PER CURRENT INFORMATION):

Day	Date	Type of Service	Notes
Saturday	12th	Flying Scotsman services	Six services, ALL SOLD OUT
Sunday	13th	Flying Scotsman services	Four services, click here to check availability
Monday	14th	Flying Scotsman static – No other services	At Bishops Lydeard, SOLD OUT
Tuesday	15th	BLUE TT	Steam and Diesel in use, check our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for motive power allocations
Wednesday	16th	BLUE TT	Steam and Diesel in use, check our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for motive power allocations
Thursday	17th	BLUE TT	Steam and Diesel in use, check our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for motive power allocations
Friday	18th	No services
Saturday	19th	Standard Blue TT	Steam and Diesel in use, check our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for motive power allocations
Sunday	20th	Standard Blue TT	Steam and Diesel in use, check our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for motive power allocations
Monday	21st	No services
Tuesday	22nd	Yellow TT	2 x steam plus Class 14 D9526 on the 1055 BL-MD and return
Wednesday	23rd	Yellow TT	2 x steam plus Class 14 D9526 on the 1055 BL-MD and return
Thursday	24th	Yellow TT	2 x steam plus Class 14 D9526 on the 1055 BL-MD and return
Friday	25th	No services
Saturday	26th	Standard Blue TT	Steam and Diesel in use, D6566 starting at MD
Sunday	27th	Standard Blue TT	Steam and Diesel in use, D6566 starting at MD
Monday	28th	No services
Tuesday	29th	Yellow TT	2 x steam plus Class 14 D9526 on the 1055 BL-MD and return
Wednesday	30th	Yellow TT	2 x steam plus Class 14 D9526 on the 1055 BL-MD and return
Thursday	31st	Yellow TT	2 x steam plus Class 14 D9526 on the 1055 BL-MD and return

Key to abbreviations: BL = Bishops Lydeard   MD = Minehead  TT= Timetable

 

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

For details of planned diesel-hauled services, please click here or on the banner below to visit our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page and sign up to our DIESELGEN bulletin service for advance notification of unplanned services.

 

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the team launched an attack on a stillage full of brake rigging parts from D1010‘s ‘B’ bogie to get them cleaned up and ready for inspection by professional loco examiner MATT HIGHAM. Some of the parts were very large and heavy, but our intrepid volunteers worked their way through most of the parts, which will need another degreasing after inspection and before re-painting. Well done team !

D1010 – many hands make light work, as the saying goes, and this photo is the proof. One of the many linkages from the brake rigging of ‘B’ bogie was pictured at Williton on Saturday 5th July 2025 getting attention from (L-R) Jeffrey, Glenn and Thomas. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

As mentioned before, apologies to those D1010 sponsors who have yet to receive the photos and certificates for the patches that they have sponsored. We have re-started engraving the patches but there is quite a backlog, so please bear with us while we catch up.

MANY THANKS to all who have sponsored and supported the RESTORATION of D1010 !

 

Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations.

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is now the Duty Loco and will be outstationed at either Bishops Lydeard or Minehead according to the requirements of the WSR Operations Department.

D6566 (33048) was in use on the diagram that started at Bishops Lydeard on the weekend of 5th/6th of July 2025, and was pictured on the Saturday during the Williton Station stop. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is at Bishops Lydeard and is not currently available for use. We will provide more details as soon as they become available.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – the re-painting of this loco is being carried out by the WSR’s Harry Spencer but working as a volunteer in his own time. This very kind offer from Harry will help the DEPG conserve funds following the unexpectedly high amount of work that had to be carried out on bodywork corrosion repairs. The roof panels need lifting back on, for which the WSR’s ‘Atlas’ rail-mounted crane will need to be used, but another kind offer from well-known railway preservationist Andrew Forster will allow this to be done with an entirely voluntary workforce, at minimal cost. We are planning to do this work on Tuesday 15th July, subject to availability of volunteers.

We are very grateful to both Harry and Andrew for their kind offers of help and support !

We are planning on getting D7017 back to Williton later in July so that she can be worked up to readiness for her return to service during August. This will involve some test running with sister loco D7018.

The fund for the bodywork overhaul of D7017 has TOPPED £20,000 but we will need to keep it open a while longer to cover the cost over-run. MANY THANKS to all who have contributed to this amazing result and in doing so, have secured the future of this locomotive.

 

The cost of this bodywork overhaul continues to increase, so we have had to keep the fund open to help reduce the impact on other DEPG projects. Please consider contributing if you can. THANK YOU VERY MUCH !

 

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco is in serviceable condition and will be available to cover the ‘Thunderbird’ duties over the weekend of 12/13th July, for which she will be kept warm and ready for startup at short notice.

We hope to use D7018 in support of the test running of sister D7017 during late July and August, as we build up to our 50 YEARS of HYMEKS weekend, the 30th and 31st August, where we expect to have both of our ‘Hymeks’ in use, both singly and together.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work continues on the engine overhaul, with more parts being re-assembled to the engine  block. This engine was last used in D9526 and has been completely stripped down, cleaned, inspected and is being rebuilt with new parts where necessary. Most parts are well within wear limits and are able to be re-used, keeping costs down and conserving our stock of genuine Paxman parts.

D9518 – on Tuesday 10th June 2025, the timing gears had been re-installed in the Paxman 6YJXL engine. Pictured at Williton by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – on Tuesday 24th June 2025, the camshaft and water pump drive gears had been re-installed in the Paxman 6YJXL engine. Pictured at Williton by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

D9518 – another view from Tuesday 24th June 2025 showing the cam followers and the water pump drive had been re-installed in the Paxman 6YJXL engine. Pictured at Williton by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Quality work needs to be funded, so we will continue to appeal for funds to support the work, right up to the point where the loco is completed. Any surplus will then be used to ensure her proper care and upkeep. If you like what we are doing, please make a donation via our website (click on the icon below) or by bank app or by sending a cheque to the DEPG at Williton. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT !

 

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco has been undergoing a re-paint inside the loco shed at Williton and is close to completion. In preparation fo her return to service, this loco will run ‘light engine’ from Williton to Bishops Lydeard on Saturday 12th to position over the pit for an underframe inspection.

Although the planned workings for next week have been cut back due to the hot weather, we still need to get this loco ready in case she is needed in support of the BLUE timetable.

 

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be in regular use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and is definitely a firm favourite for passengers and crews alike. Please continue to send in your photographs of our ‘celebrity’ loco while she is at work on the Moors. Thanks !

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is available for service 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:

The new range of clothing that was launched at the SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL was a massive success and we quickly sold all of our gala stock. This is OK because the new clothing is highly configurable so it is made to order anyway. Due to very high demand, delivery times have extended to four weeks, but this is temporary for the peak summer period, after which we expect to be able to deliver within two weeks of an order being placed via our ONLINE STORE, so 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 in the works are similarly configurable ranges covering the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ and the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ with those garments likely to be available later in July or August. Here’s a taster 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:

Garment type	Price
T shirt	£22
Polo shirt	£25
Sweatshirt	£35
Hoodie	£37
Fleece	£40
Other ? Tell us what you want !	Use our CONTACT FORM

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

Not exactly ‘on shed’ but a flashback to the ‘Merry-Go-Round’ (MGR) coal trains of the past, this photo has been provided by well known author and DEPG member ROGER GEACH. This view of 56055 dates back 24 years – but it feels like yesterday. The working is the Immingham Docks to Cottam Power Station MGR, with imported coal being used for power generation in those days. The loco entered service at Toton depot in February of 1979 and moved to Cardiff Canton depot in October of 1987, surviving through to March 2003, a service life of 24 years. Many thanks to Roger for sharing his 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 !

BREL Doncaster-built (1979) Class 56 56055 was pictured at Clarborough when working the Immingham Docks to Cottam Power Station ‘MGR’ on 4th July 2001. Photo by Roger Geach © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

NEW BOOKS ON SALE

We have received a flurry of orders for the two NEW BOOKS that we added to stock last week. The second in the three-part series ‘The Railways of South Wales 1975-1995‘ by Michael Rhodes is now available and we also have stock of the companion series ‘RAILWAYS OF THE NORTH EAST 1975-1995‘ by the same author. Both books are of high quality and are available via our online store.

 

 

We also have stock of the NEW BOOK entitled ABSOLUTELY WESTERNS that has been compiled by Roger Geach from photos taken by the late Peter Crawley, and we have the NEW BOOKLET that has recently been released by DEPG Publicity Officer MARK BLADWELL covering DEPG ‘Hymek’ D7017. This booklet is currently IN STOCK and available for sale via our online store.

This new booklet has 64 printed pages of glossy A4 and includes information about the ‘Hymeks’ and about D7017 in particular, covering both phases of her life – the first 13 years in BR service and the last 50 years in the care of the DEPG. Priced at £15 per copy, this book can be ordered from our website NOW.

Don’t forget to consider adding Roger’s new book to your shopping basket as well ……

Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £17.50 per copy) and in doing so, supporting the restoration of D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’. A BOOK REVIEW on this new publication has been provided by regular correspondent NEALE LONG and will be posted online during the next few days. Please check this link periodically until the review appears. Thank you Neale !

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

 

DEPG NEWS:

The date of the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) will be Saturday 13th September and the meeting will be held at Williton as usual. We will be sending the AGM information package out in early August, along with the next edition of the DEPG Quarterly Newsletter.

The DEPG have acquired two pieces of pre-owned plant from a local firm, and both are in the process of being overhauled but already promise to be very useful acquisitions.

The first is a Linde electric fork lift truck, small enough to be kept in our shed but large enough for most of the lifting and shifting jobs that need to be done. This machine requires new batteries and a good cleanup, and will then be ready for insurance inspection and use.

The second is a ‘NiftyLift’ aerial platform, often called a ‘cherry picker’, again in need of some work due to a lengthy period of outdoor storage, but already functional and well worth the effort of restoring. This machine was put through its paces by plant technicians Tony and Jon at Williton last Saturday 5th July. Well done guys, we are going to be wanting to use these items of equipment all the time !

Jon Tooke (JT) at work on the wiring repairs needed for the recently-acquired ‘Niftylift’ aerial platform. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 5th July 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

JT connected the hydraulic pump so that Tony could test the controls in the basket of the recently-acquired ‘Niftylift’ aerial platform. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 5th July 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Tony then tested the ground controls and exercised the recently-acquired ‘Niftylift’ aerial platform. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 5th July 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

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 !

 

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