DEPG trustee and driver Neil McCannon was evidently enjoying his day at the desk of Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) when pictured at Blue Anchor on Sunday 13th October 2024. The loco was working an extended turn to cover for a steam loco. Photo by Mark Bladwell © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

A very unusual but highly enjoyable day was bestowed upon Class 33 ‘Crompton D6575 (33057) and her crew last Sunday 13th October 2024, when the loco found herself promoted from the 12:30 out and back 40-mile diagram to the 10:15 twice out and back diagram, with an extension to Norton Fitwarren on the first return leg to run around her train because the run around loop at Bishops Lydeard was occupied.

The DEPG crew comprising driver Neil McCannon and secondman Mark Bladwell responded to the request to book on duty earlier and finish later to accomodate a timetable change that was made necessary by a temporary shortage of steam locomotives at Bishops Lydeard. The solution to the shortage was to combine the 12:30 service with a planned ‘QUANTOCK BELLE‘ lunchtime dining service that comprised a ‘public’ section and a ‘dining’ section. An efficient solution that ensured that all timetabled services were covered and the public had the benefit of a mixed traction day, also as timetabled.

The loco took the train to Norton Fitzwarren platform then uncoupled to move to Barnstaple Junction at the south-eastern extent of the line, adjacent to the Bristol to Exeter main line, where the loco reversed to take the east chord to Allerford Junction, then reversed again to re-couple with her train.

This extract from the WSR Rule Book, Map 10 shows that the Allerford spur is all that remains of the Barnstaple branch. To see the Rule Book maps and many more, go to the wsr.org.uk website by clicking this link. Image courtesy of WSR plc © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

This additional activity came after a week where the loco had deputised for the booked steam loco on several days of RED TIMETABLE running, showing the versatility of the ‘Cromptons’ and underscoring their deserved reputation as the workhorses of the line.

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) was pictured at Barnstaple Junction alongside the Bristol to Exeter main line while preparing to run around her train at Norton Fitzwarren on Sunday 13th October 2024. Photo by Mark Bladwell © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

DIESEL RUNNING DATES

This coming weekend sees the LAST of the booked diesel running dates for 2024, so try and come along to the WSR on Sunday 20th to take the 12:30 service from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and back.

NOTE: An additional unpublished goods train working will take place on Saturday 19th when the ‘Crompton’ will work a freight from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and back. The booked departure time from Bishops Lydeard is 10:45 but this could be varied to suit operational reqirements.

 

Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details of the remaining diesel-hauled public services and sign up to our DIESELGEN email bulletin service to get advance notice of non-public service running. 

Click here to join the DEPG

Click here to go to our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page

Click here to go to our ONLINE SHOP

Click here to support D1010

Thank you very much for your support !

 

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – further progress was made on the ‘B’ bogie last weekend, the details of which will be shared in a future edition of roundup. Many thanks to all of our volunteers and to the sponsors for making the restoration plan come to life.

 

Class 09 D4107 (09019) – this loco is based at Bishops Lydeard but will move to Williton on Saturday 2nd November to undergo body repairs and a repaint, along with some other maintenance activities that are aimed at keeping her reliable and available for service.

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – proving the old adage ‘a stitch in time saves nine’, the issue with her No. 1 exhauster motor was traced to sticking brushes resulting from oil contamination from a leaking oil seal. The exhauster will be exchanged for an overhauled spare at some time in the near future, meanwhile the inspection interval will be reduced to ensure that the brushgear remains clean and free to move as intended. The loco is stabled at Williton and is ready for use if required.

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is outstationed at Bishops Lydeard and holds the role of Duty Loco. Her next booked duties are a goods train working on Saturday 19th October and the 12:30 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and return service under the RED TIMETABLE on Sunday 20th October.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco  is currently stabled at Minehead so that she can be assessed for body repairs and repainting before eventually moving back to Williton for other repairs and winter maintenance. 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 was pictured in unusual surroundings on Thursday 10th October 2024 while being assessed for body repairs by the engineering team at Minehead. Barclay 0-4-0DH number 579 (ROF 2) is in the foreground. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – the ‘transmission team’ continued their careful work on the re-building of the Mekydro K184u transmission with attention being given to establishing the correct working clearances for the shafts and the gear selector forks. This is a process that involves multiple assembly and disassembly cycles, so patience is a definite virtue !

Luckily, our team members have bucketloads of patience available to add to their incredible attention to detail.

D7018 – the upper housing was trial fitted at Williton on Tuesday 8th October 2024 with volunteer Tim in charge of the hoist. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D7018 – moments later, the upper housing is in position and ready for the end float measurements to be taken. Bringing these parts together allows specially-dimensioned shims to be defined and manufactured, the fitting of which will involve opening it all up again ! Pictured at Williton on 8th October 2024 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – the team continue their work on the engine and on the cab refurbishment, with teams at work on Tuesdays and Saturdays in addition to the many hours of work that take place away from Williton. More details in the next edition of roundup.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco was is now stabled outside on Number 1 road at Williton and is likely to remain there until the new year. When space becomes available in the loco shed, she will be going ‘indoors’ for some maintenance work, which will include attention to her bodywork, to make sure that she is in good shape for the 2025 running season.

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is based at Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway but has been out of service because of a coolant leak from the liner of cylinder B3. The repair work has now been completed by Heritage Rail Ltd and the loco is ready to begin a short programme of test running to confirm that she is ready to return to work.

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this useful little loco is fully serviceable and is waiting for her next opportunity to shunt the yard at Williton.

 

 

BOOK REVIEW: the FOURTH volume in ‘THE BEATEN TRACK’ series by Andy Chard is now available and in stock at Williton. The standard set by Andy’s first volume was repeated admirably in the second and third volumes, and the success of the format continues with high levels of advance sales for this much-anticipated volume 4.

GET YOUR COPY FROM THE DEPG and help us maintain your favourite loco fleet while enjoying a very good read !

Click here or on the image below to go the DEPG online store where this book is available from stock for £34.95 per copy.

 

 

ON SHED: this week, we feature another photo from Mark Bladwell’s collection, with the infamous D1007 ‘WESTERN TALISMAN’ pictured at Cardiff Central station, just a few months after that station changed from being known as Cardiff General. Worse was to come a few months later, because this very loco was involved in a fatal accident at Ealing during the early stages of its journey from Paddington to Oxford. The lessons learned from this accident resulted in simple modifications being made to all locos in the BR fleet, with battery box safety catches now standard equipment on all rail vehicles.

The loco was pictured in happier times while working the 1Z13 Paddington to Fishguard Harbour relief service, which connected with the ferry service between Fishguard in West Wales and Rosslare in Ireland. Many thanks to Mark for sharing his photo with us all.

Class 52 D1007 ‘WESTERN TALISMAN’ was pictured at Cardiff Central Station on Saturday 25th August 1973 while working the 1Z13 Paddington to Fishguard Harbour relief servce. Photo by Mark Bladwell © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

DEPG NEWS:  the next Board Meeting will take place at Williton on Saturday 19th October. if you are a member of the DEPG and would like to have a question placed before the Board, then please let us know by using our CONTACT FORM. If you are not a member, then PLEASE JOIN US !

 

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 Weekly Roundup post

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) relocated from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard on Tuesday 1st October and took a rake of Empty Coaching Stock with her in readiness for the start of the red timetable later that day. Photo by Jo Ward © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

On Sunday 6th October, the crew of Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) reported that the No. 1 exhauster was arcing excessively, so volunteer loco manager Ian went along to check it out. After carrying out an inspection, Ian concluded that the exhauster motor needed a more detailed investigation so the loco completed the rest of her RED TIMETABLE diagram running on her No. 2 exhauster then ran ‘light engine’ to Williton where sister D6575 (33057) was ready and waiting to swap back into the role of ‘Duty Loco’. No doubt the offending exhauster will be quickly diagnosed and a repair carried out in the next week or two.

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) returned to Williton on Sunday 6th October 2024 and took up a position on No. 1 road in front of Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526. A very nicely mirrored photo by Tom Courtney © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

DIESEL RUNNING DATES

Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details of the remaining diesel-hauled public services and sign up to our DIESELGEN email bulletin service to get advance notice of non-public service running. 

Click here to join the DEPG

Click here to go to our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page

Click here to go to our ONLINE SHOP

Click here to support D1010

Thank you very much for your support !

 

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – to reduce the amount of floor space being taken up by component parts now removed from the ‘B’ bogie, a number of second-hand stackable steel stillages were acquired and collected by Paul and Julie Tucker, with delivery to Williton taking place on Wednesday 2nd October. The stillages will stack up to four high but we will only be stacking them two high for storage inside the ‘D1010 container’.

D1010 – a vanload of second-hand steel stillages have been acquired by the DEPG for the purpose of storing the many component parts that have been removed from D1010’s bogies. Pictured on 2nd October 2024 by Paul Tucker © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – Gordon continued his work on the ‘B’ bogie at Williton on Saturday 5th October 2024, with his attention being focused on the lubrication reservoirs for the axle box spring bearings. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the normally inaccessible lubrication reservoirs had become filled with oily dirt over the years, but had still performed their function in the case of 5 of the 6 axle boxes. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 5th October 2024 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

Class 09 D4107 (09019) – this loco is based at Bishops Lydeard and is in regular use in support of WSR activities. She will move to Williton in early November to undergo body repairs and a repaint, along with some other maintenance activities that are aimed at keeping her reliable and available for service.

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – This loco has now returned to Williton to undergo repairs to her No. 1 exhauster motor.

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is now outstationed at Bishops Lydeard and has taken up the role of Duty Loco. Her next booked duties are under the RED TIMETABLE on Sunday 13th October.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco has had a great season, achieving 100% dispatch reliability and delivering consistent and excellent performances. She will remain at Minehead for a while so that she can be assessed for body repairs and repainting before eventually moving back to Williton for other repairs and winter maintenance.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – a review meeting took place at Williton on Saturday 5th October to debate and develop Colin’s proposals for the static test rig that will be used to put the control block and control mechanisms through their paces in advance of returning the transmission to the loco. Suffice it to say that Colin’s work was up to it’s usual standard, so the work will proceed as planned !

Details of the test rig and test plan will be covered in a future roundup.

The review team were pictured while surrounded by Mekydro hardware at Williton on Saturday 5th October 2024. From left to right, Martin Howard, Colin Foxhall, Clive Burrows and Neil McCannon. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – the ‘Tuesday Team’ made further progress with the overhaul of the Paxman ‘Ventura’ 6YJXL engine and a parallel effort from Colin G and Andy P saw further progress on the cab and desk fittings. Some brand new bronze handles for the straight air brake valves were cast at Bridport Foundry to replace missing parts, the new parts being indiscernible from the old after several hours of ‘fettling’ work in the hands of Colin G.

D9518 – the connecting rods of the left and right cylinders are different – the connecting rod of the right-hand piston rotates around that of the left-hand piston, which in turn rotates around the crankshaft. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 5th October 2024 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the newly-manufactured brake handle on the left compares very nicely with the original but painted example on the right. The new handle was cast by Bridport Foundry. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 5th October 2024 by Colin Girle © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco was is now stabled outside on Number 1 road at Williton and is likely to remain there until the new year. When space becomes available in the loco shed, she will be going ‘indoors’ for some maintenance work, which will include attention to her bodywork, to make sure that she is in good shape for the 2025 running season.

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is based at Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway but has been out of service because of a coolant leak from the liner of cylinder B3. The repair work has now been completed by Heritage Rail Ltd and the loco is ready to begin a short programme of test running to confirm that she is ready to return to work.

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this useful little loco is fully serviceable and is waiting for her next opportunity to shunt the yard at Williton.

 

 

BOOK REVIEW: the FOURTH volume in ‘THE BEATEN TRACK’ series by Andy Chard is now available and in stock at Williton. The standard set by Andy’s first volume was repeated admirably in the second and third volumes, and the success of the format continues with high levels of advance sales for this much-anticipated volume 4.

GET YOUR COPY FROM THE DEPG and help us maintain your favourite loco fleet while enjoying a very good read !

Click here or on the image below to go the DEPG online store where this book is available from stock for £34.95 per copy.

 

 

ON SHED: apologies, but we will need to skip this popular feature this week due to lack of time.

 

DEPG NEWS:  the next Board Meeting will take place at Williton on Saturday 19th October. if you are a member of the DEPG and would like to have a question placed before the Board, then please let us know by replying to this email or by using our CONTACT FORM. If you are not a member, then PLEASE JOIN US !

 

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 Weekly Roundup post

Both Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) and the photographer were enjoying the sunshine on Saturday 28th September 2024 as the loco approached the Stogumber station stop en route to Bishops Lydeard. The ’33’ was working the 80-mile diagram that had originated at Minehead. Photo by Mark Ireland © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Last weekend saw the last of the BLUE timetable workings that will be diesel hauled this year, with Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) in use on Saturday and Sunday. The timetable now reduces to the 3-times daily service provided by the RED timetable, with diesel power only required for Sundays 6th, 13th and 20th October, although a ‘bonus’ day has been added for Saturday 5th due to the non-availability of the booked steam loco. The final week of timetabled service at the end of October will be all-steam because it is likely to be too cold to operate unheated trains. Although the ’33s’ are capable of providing Electric Train Heating (ETH), there are no compatible coaches in use on the WSR at present, so our operating period is restricted to the warmer months.

On Sunday 29th, the ’33’ was out and about again, but this time carrying a special headcode to mark the birthday of DEPG Trustee and volunteer TOM COURTNEY who happened to be on duty as secondman that day. Although bright at first, the weather took a marked turn for the worse as the day progressed, but that did not present any problems to the 1961-vintage loco.

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) in the foreground with Ashley, Tom and Ian on the platform at Williton and (L-R) Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526, Barclay 578 (ROF 1), Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018, Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057), Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ and GWR 4-6-0 7812 ‘ERLESTOKE MANOR’ in view. Image taken from the Williton Railcam courtesy of Railcam UK and the WSR © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

DIESEL RUNNING DATES

Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details of diesel-hauled public services and sign up to our DIESELGEN email bulletin service to get advance notice of non-public service running. 

 

Click here to join the DEPG

Click here to go to our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page

Click here to go to our ONLINE SHOP

Click here to support D1010

Thank you very much for your support !

 

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – with so many component parts now removed from the ‘B’ bogie occupying floor space in the loco shed, it became necessary to spend some time working on cleaning up and inspecting some of the most important parts. There is a lot more detailed inspection and measurement to do, but first indications were positive and no ‘horrors’ have emerged. This is very encouraging and allows us to press ahead to arrange the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) of the key suspension components, to make sure that there are no cracks or internal fractures that are not visible to the naked eye. The equipment to do this is available at West Somerset Restorations in the ‘Swindon Shed’ to the north of our yard at Williton.

The general scheme of work on the ‘B’ bogie is as follows, with status information added:

1. Remove the cardan shafts – completed on 10th August (the shafts will be sent out for overhaul)
2. Remove the brake rigging – completed on 24th August
3. Remove the primary springs – completed on 24th August (the springs will be sent out for overhaul)
4. Remove the equalising beams and pedestals – completed on 21st September.
5. Remove the secondary springs – planned for the week ending 20th October
6. Inspect the bogie frames, wheel bearings and gearboxes
7. Replace the torque reaction rubbers
8. Re-assemble using repaired or replacement parts as required.

 

With the work taking place inside the loco shed already absorbing the available resources, the Chairman and Vice Chairman were left with the task of distributing the contents of six bulk bags of aggregates underneath the loco body to create a suitably flat surface above rail height for volunteers to be able to work on the underside of the loco, in readiness for a major clean up effort at some time in the near future. The result is both safer and much comfortable for our volunteers.

As always, there is plenty to do on this massive locomotive, so please CONTACT US if you are a DEPG member and would like to come along to help.

D1010 – some of the ever-growing collection of component parts that have been removed from the ‘B’ bogie were pictured at Williton on Saturday 14th September 2024. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the DEPG Chairman was pictured while at work under the ‘A’ end of the loco (with appropriate headgear) spreading the contents of six bulk bags of aggregates that were used to create a flat and safe working surface. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 28th September 2024 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the DEPG Chairman then re-positioned the barriers around the loco and performed a walk-around to make sure that the area was tidy and safe. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 28th September 2024 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the stands are marked to identify the four loading points, the heights of which are measured on a regular basis to ensure that the loco body remains stable and securely supported. Measurements confirm that there has been no movement since the loco was first placed on the stands in July. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 28th September 2024 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

Please help us with this very important work by making a donation to the D1010 Restoration Fund and support the repair work that is taking place right now. Thank you in advance for your help.

      

We are still offering the SPONSOR A PATCH scheme where your name or message will be engraved into the metal of the loco body as acknowledgement of your donations to the D1010 RESTORATION FUND. We are a bit behind with the engraving but now that the loco body has been determined as safe to work on (and when weather permits!), we can resume the engraving and catch up. There is plenty more metal yet to be engraved, so GET YOUR SPONSORED PATCH BY CLICKING THIS LINK !

 

 

Class 09 D4107 (09019) – this loco is based at Bishops Lydeard and is in regular use in support of WSR activities. She will move to Williton in early November to undergo body repairs and a repaint, along with some other maintenance activities that are aimed at keeping her reliable and available for service.

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – This loco has now moved to Bishops Lydeard to continue in her role as Duty Loco. Her next booked duties are under the RED TIMETABLE on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October.

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco has returned to Williton and has undergone an ‘A’ exam. The loco is now ready for service if called upon. In between other tasks, volunteer loco manager Ian R took measurements from the valve guides that were removed from the spare cylinder heads, in preparation for the refurbishment of the spare heads for possible use on D6575 in the future.

D6575 – two of the valve guides from the Sulzer type LDA cylinder heads were inspected for wear by volunteer loco manager Ian R at Williton on Saturday 28th September 2024. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco has had a great season, achieving 100% dispatch reliability and delivering consistent and excellent performances. She will remain at Minehead for a while so that she can be assessed for body repairs and repainting before eventually moving back to Williton for other repairs and winter maintenance.

 

Click on this link or on the graphic below to visit our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page.

 

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – the transmission that is being repaired at Williton at the moment is one of very few surviving examples of the type, and we need to minimise the risk of damaging this transmission, which could be the outcome if we put it back into service before we are sure that it is operating correctly.

On completion of an overhaul in BR days, the transmission would have been installed in a test rig where it could be put through its paces at maximum speed and maximum power, but such a rig is massive and the output from the transmission has to be loaded by a dynamometer which then has to dissipate more than 1 Megawatt of power, so it is not a trivial piece of kit.

In place of this, we intend to perform a functional test of the overhauled control block to make sure that the inputs and outputs are in line with expectations, then we will install the transmission in the loco and carry out a series of static tests before applying power. After that, there will be a programme of test running to build up confidence and prove the reliability. This programme of testing is defined by a Test Plan and the last week has been dedicated to drafting this plan in preparation for a review meeting that will take place on Saturday 6th October.

So, there are no photos of the overhaul this week, but we will be sharing a summary of the agreed test plan in a future roundup.

 

Two years ago – Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was pictured on the approach to Blue Anchor station with the 12:30 service from Bishops Lydeard. Photo dated Sunday 25th September 2022 by Glyn Warren © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

Please help us with this very important work by making a donation to DEPG funds and allowing us to support the repair work that is taking place on D7018 right now. Thank you in advance for your help.

      

 

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – the ‘Tuesday Team’ are continuing with the overhaul of the Paxman ‘Ventura’ 6YJXL engine that was previously installed in sister loco D9526 in parallel with the work that is taking place on the cab assembly. The cab roof section that was being worked on by Andy P last week has now got into the hands of Colin G so that he can restore it in an authentic way, complete with 1960s ‘pegboard’ lining and aluminium trim. The Class 14s were built to a very high standard by BR Swindon Works and Colin is aiming to reach the same heights. Well done Team D9518 !

D9518 – the interior details of the removable cab roof section are being carefully restored in an authentic way by volunteer Colin G. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 28th September 2024 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Click here or on the image below to make a donation towards the restoration of D9518. Thank you very much for your support !

 

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco was is now stabled outside on Number 1 road at Williton and is likely to remain there until the new year. When space becomes available in the loco shed, she will be going ‘indoors’ for some maintenance work, which will include attention to her bodywork, to make sure that she is in good shape for the 2025 running season.

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is based at Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway but has been out of service because of a coolant leak from the liner of cylinder B3. The repair work was contracted out to Heritage Rail Ltd and the work was taking place in the first week of October. We hope to see the loco out and about again during October.

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this useful little loco is fully serviceable and is waiting for her next opportunity to shunt the yard at Williton.

 

 

BOOK REVIEW: a new release this week is the FOURTH volume in ‘THE BEATEN TRACK’ series by Andy Chard. The standard set by Andy’s first volume was repeated admirably in the second and third volumes, and the success of the format continues with high levels of advance sales for this much-anticipated volume 4.

GET YOUR COPY FROM THE DEPG and help us maintain your favourite loco fleet while enjoying a very good read !

Click here or on the image below to go the DEPG online store where this book is available from stock for £34.95 per copy.

 

DEPG CALENDAR 2025

The DEPG 2025 CALENDAR is now available for mailing, comprising 14 printed pages of A3 (twice A4 size) glossy paper on a spiral wire binder. This calendar features the DEPG’s locomotives, both in service and in preservation, with all of the photos being provided by members and supporters. Click here or on the image above to GET YOUR COPY – WHILE STOCKS LAST – for £14 plus p&p.

 

 

ON SHED: last week, we shared a photo and a reminiscence from DEPG member Trevor Tremethick in relation to the 23:45 service from Paddington to Penzance in the mid 1970s. Some fifty years later, roundup reader Michael Newman commented thus:

     “Had to laugh at Trevor’s comments regarding the journey details of his photo of the 23:45 Paddington to Penzance with 1010 in the 1970s because I had done this journey recently with the awful sounding Class 57s. The actual trip was ruined by freezing cold air conditioning and floodlight-like lighting which wasn’t dimmed all night ! I wouldn’t recommend that journey to anyone.”

Many thanks to Michael for sharing his experience. Do you have a story to tell ? Please share it with us all.

 

Here’s another image from Trevor’s collection, this time featuring our first acquisition – Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017, pictured in the repair shop at Old Oak Common with the roof section above the engine removed, just 6 months before the end of ‘Hymek’ workings on BR. By this time, D7017 was one of only ten examples of the class remaining in service, so a visit to the repair shop would have been dicing with death. Lucky for us, the loco made it right through to the end, being withdrawn on 13th March 1975, just three days before the very last survivor, sister DEPG loco D7018.

Many thanks to Trevor for sharing his photo with us all.

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 is pictured inside the Repair Shop at Old Oak Common depot on Saturday 21st September 1974, surrounded by spare bogies and with the roof off, no doubt a scary experience for the loco at that late point in her career. Photo by Trevor Tremethick © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

DEPG NEWS:  the next Board Meeting will take place at Williton on Saturday 19th October. if you are a member of the DEPG and would like to have a question placed before the Board, then please let us know by using our CONTACT FORM. If you are not a member, then PLEASE JOIN US !

 

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 Weekly Roundup post

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 was in use on the weekend of 21st/22nd September and ran with special headboards on both days. The Saturday workings carried a ‘WESTERN TALISMAN’ headboard in memory of DEPG volunteer MIKE EVANS who passed away last year. Pictured at Bishops Lydeard by Barrie Childs  © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The weather took a dramatic turn for the worse last weekend, with low cloud and intense downpours reminding us all that summer was most definitely in retreat. However, the weekend was brightened up by the sight and sound of our Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 in use on the 10:00 departures from Minehead and the subsequent 80-mile diagrams on the Saturday and Sunday.

Being the last opportunity for diesel-hydraulic running this year (our diesel-electric ‘Cromptons’ still have five more workings booked – see our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page), we attached some special headboards to commemorate two of our friends and volunteers who passed away last year.

D1007 ‘WESTERN TALISMAN’ was the favourite of MIKE EVANS and his special headboard adorned the loco on the Saturday, and D1051 ‘WESTERN AMBASSADOR’ was the favourite of CHRIS SHIELDS and his special headboard was carried on the Sunday. We miss both volunteers and we will always remember them.

The Sunday was also the 51st anniversary of the ‘HYMEK SWANSONG‘ railtour that marked the end of scheduled passenger service use of the ‘Hymeks’, only ten of which survived through to the end of that year out of an original class strength of 101 examples. Several of the travellers on board the train last Sunday recounted their memories of the ‘Swansong’, adding to the significance of the event.

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 was in use on the weekend of 21st/22nd September and ran with special headboards on both days. The Sunday workings carried a ‘WESTERN AMBASSADOR’ headboard in memory of DEPG volunteer CHRIS SHIELDS who passed away last year. Pictured at Bishops Lydeard by John Kite  © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The loco performed admirably and concluded her booked workings for 2024 by achieving a 100% availability result, which is a significant turnaround from the previous years and a credit to the hard work put in by Neil and the team at Williton. Well done team !

 

DIESEL RUNNING DATES

This weekend sees the last of the BLUE timetable (4 services each way per day) workings until the half-term week (end of October), with the RED timetable (three services each way per day) taking over from Tuesday next week. This gives us one running opportunity per week, which will be the 12:30 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and return on Sundays 6th, 13th and 20th of October with Class 33 D6566 (33048) most likely to be covering all three. The last week of public services this year will be Saturday 26th October through Sunday 3rd November (Mon/Fri excepted) when the BLUE timetable will apply – but steam only (it will be a lot colder by then and the steam-operated carriage heating will no doubt be much appreciated!).

Our versatile ‘Cromptons’ will find further running opportunities on non-public workings including two next week (a DIESELGEN bulletin will be sent out ASAP) and our Class 09 D4107 (09019) will continue to be in regular use at Bishops Lydeard right up to the end of the season, after which it will move to Williton for attention to bodywork and for various other light repairs and maintenance during the winter.

Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details of diesel-hauled public services and sign up to our DIESELGEN email bulletin service to get advance notice of non-public service running. 

 

Click here to join the DEPG

Click here to go to our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page

Click here to go to our ONLINE SHOP

Click here to support D1010

Thank you very much for your support !

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the second of the two equalising beams presented less of a challenge to Gordon and Leroy on Saturday 21st, showing the benefit of experience gained by the removal of the first beam after an all-day struggle during the previous Saturday. If only there was a work instruction for this kind of overhaul, it would make life so much easier !

The beam and the associated pedestal was then inspected for damage, but only showed the effects of wear in the bushings, with pick-up marks that were indicative of the lack of lubrication caused by the grease nipples being encased in solidified dirt and not being visible for many years. Each part will be thoroughly cleaned and inspected in fine detail before we decide on the repair or replacement of the part.

The general scheme of work on the ‘B’ bogie is as follows, with status information added:

1. Remove the cardan shafts – 100% completed on 10th August
2. Remove the brake rigging – 100% completed on 24th August
3. Remove the primary springs – 100% completed on 24th August
4. Remove the equalising beams and pedestals – 100% completed on 21st September.
5. Remove the secondary springs – planned for the week ending 20th October
6. Inspect the bogie frames, wheel bearings and gearboxes
7. Replace the torque reaction rubbers
8. Re-assemble using repaired or replacement parts as required.

As always, there is plenty to do on this massive locomotive, so please CONTACT US if you would like to come along to help.

D1010 – the equalising beams of the ‘B’ bogie have now been removed along with the so-called ‘pedestals’ that allow the beams to pivot in the centre. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 21st September 2024 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the uppermost surface of the ‘pedestal’ includes two grease nipples that were buried for years in rock-hard solidified brake dust and had not seen an application of fresh grease since BR days. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 21st September 2024 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the ‘pedestals’ are fabricated steel parts and include small tubes that feed the grease to the bushings that carry the pivots for the equalising beams. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 21st September 2024 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the bushings in the ‘pedestals’ have suffered due to lack of lubrication, as witnessed by the pick-up marks on the outer surface of the bushing. These parts will be inspected and replaced as necessary. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 21st September 2024 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the cooler group from the ‘B’ end was picked up by the Fork Lift Truck driven by Martin and moved out of the loco shed so that it could be turned over to allow repairs to continue on the other side. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 21st September 2024 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the cooler group from the ‘B’ end was turned over and then placed on spacers on the adjacent road so that welding repairs and repainting could be completed on the side that was previously inaccessible. Stalwart volunteer Roy inspected the huge assembly to pick out the next target for his paintbrushes. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 21st September 2024 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Please help us with this very important work by making a donation to the D1010 Restoration Fund and support the repair work that is taking place right now. Thank you in advance for your help.

      

We are still offering the SPONSOR A PATCH scheme where your name or message will be engraved into the metal of the loco body as acknowledgement of your donations to the D1010 RESTORATION FUND. We are a bit behind with the engraving but now that the loco body has been determined as safe to work on (and when weather permits!), we can resume the engraving and catch up. There is plenty more metal yet to be engraved, so GET YOUR SPONSORED PATCH BY CLICKING THIS LINK !

 

Class 09 D4107 (09019) – this loco is based at Bishops Lydeard and is in regular use in support of WSR activities. At the end of the season, she will move to Williton to undergo body repairs and a repaint, along with some other maintenance activities that are aimed at keeping her reliable and available for service.

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – This loco has taken up the role of Duty Loco at Minehead. Her next booked duties are under the BLUE TIMETABLE on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th September.

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco has returned to Williton and has undergone an ‘A exam. The loco is now ready for service if called upon.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco will remain at Minehead for a while so that she can be assessed for body repairs and repainting. The loco will eventually move back to Williton for other repairs and winter maintenance.

 

Click on this link or on the graphic below to visit our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page.

 

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – the rate of progress has notched up again as the team return from their summer vacations and pick up where they left off. The new (and expensive) bearing for the primary shaft had now been delivered, installed and checked for correct operation and dimensioning. The first layer of the control block was then re-installed into the top housing and carefully inspected in readiness for the next layer to be added. Every step is logged and checked to make sure that nothing is missed. These transmissions are too precious to take chances with.

D7018 – the brand new bearing for the primary shaft of the 4-speed geartrain was fitted at Williton on Monday 16th September 2024. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D7018 – the first layer of the control block was installed and inspected at Williton on Tuesday 17th September 2024. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D7018 – meanwhile, the loco minus its transmission is destined to remain outdoors and be subjected to the Great British climate. Pictured at Williton on Sunday 22nd September 2024 by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Please help us with this very important work by making a donation to DEPG funds and allowing us to support the repair work that is taking place on D7018 right now. Thank you in advance for your help.

      

 

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – the ‘Tuesday Team’ are powering ahead with the overhaul of the Paxman ‘Ventura’ 6YJXL engine that was previously installed in sister loco D9526. The pistons and cylinder liners have been removed from the engine and will undergo careful cleaning, inspection and measurement to determine if they are fit for further service. The team were diverted on Saturday 21st by the need to work sister D9526 to Minehead and back for an underframe inspection, but Andy P remained at the depot to work on the restoration of the cab roof – a very good sign that the cab is well on the way towards full restoration.

D9518 – the aluminium cab roof was the subject of Andy P’s attention at Williton on Saturday 21st September 2024. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Click here or on the image below to make a donation towards the restoration of D9518. Thank you very much for your support !

 

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco was worked to Minehead on Saturday 21st along with ‘Hymek’ D7017 and Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) so that she could be positioned over the pit for an underframe exam and a brake adjustment. The loco returned to Williton later that same day, working ‘Light Engine’, with Class 33 D6575 (33057) in tow, the two ‘Cromptons’ having been swapped at Minehead.

L-R: Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) was towed to Williton by Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 on Saturday 21st September 2024, the ’14’ having been over the pit at Minehead for an underframe inspection and the ’33’ having been swapped over with sister D6566 (33048) so that she could return to Williton and undergo an ‘A’ exam. The ‘A’ bogie of D1010 can be seen on the right. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is based at Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway but is currently out of service because of a coolant leak from the liner of cylinder B3. Only one of the 12 cylinders appears to be affected, but further investigations will be carried out as part of the repair work. A subcontractor has been engaged to allow the work to proceed quickly, and the completion date is scheduled for early October.

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this useful little loco is fully serviceable and is waiting for her next opportunity to shunt the yard at Williton.

 

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 volunteers 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 !

 

 

BOOK REVIEW: after several weeks of promoting the CLASS 22 BOOKS, we need to make our readers aware of some bargains that are available via our ONLINE STORE in the form of several pre-owned books that have been reduced in price to stimulate sales. Take a look at these and other titles by clicking this link or by clicking on the images below:

APT – A Promise Unfulfilled – Reduced to £15.00	BR in the EIGHTIES – Reduced to £2.50
Barclay 150 1840-1990 – Reduced to £5.00	BR Traction in Colour – 2 – Reduced to £2.00

MANY THANKS to all who have donated books to the DEPG and thanks also to those who have bought them, with every purchase generating funds for the upkeep of the DEPG loco fleet.

 

 

The DEPG 2025 CALENDAR is now available for mailing, comprising 14 printed pages of A3 (twice A4 size) glossy paper on a spiral wire binder. This calendar features the DEPG’s locomotives, both in service and in preservation, with all of the photos being provided by members and supporters. Click here or on the image above to GET YOUR COPY – WHILE STOCKS LAST – for £14 plus p&p.

 

 

ON SHED: this week, we are not quite ‘on shed’ because the loco still has 30 miles to run before it can take a rest at it’s destination, but here’s a photo that is crying out for sharing. The loco is our very own D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ and this photo and the narrative below have been kindly provided to us by new member Trevor Tremethick. Here are Trevor’s words on the subject:

     “1010 is on the 23.45 Paddington to Penzance, Truro 12.08.74. It was a horrible train that dragged around Swindon, Chippenham, Bath and Bristol, and didn’t get into Truro until 0815 the next morning. We called it ‘The Rigor Mortis’ as the passengers were rather ‘stiff’ by the time they got off at Truro! Some had to go on to Penzance of course. The headcode was 1B83. I suffered this train on several occasions coming home from London.”

Many thanks to Trevor for sharing his photos and his memories with us all.

 

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ was pictured at 08:15 on the morning of Monday 12th August 1974 when departing from the Truro station stop with the 1B83 Paddington to Penzance service. This train had departed from Paddington at 23:45 the previous day, using the ‘Great Way Round’ route ! The DMU on the right is on the Falmouth branch that still enjoys an intensive shuttle service today. Photo by Trevor Tremethick © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

DEPG NEWS:  the Williton Infrastructure Division (WID for short) is the tongue-in-cheek moniker for two of our long-serving volunteers, Paul Tucker and Graham Perry, who team up several times a month to stay over at Williton for a long weekend and focus on making infrastructure improvements, with activities ranging from major ground works for additional ISO containers through to minor but essential items such as making sure that the kettles are working in the mess room ! We will leave you to guess at which activity is considered as the most important.

One of several tasks that they dealt with last weekend was the tidying up of the DEPG’s extensive collection of lifting tackle, all of which had been subjected to its 6-monthly inspection a few weeks beforehand and colour coded red to show that it had been passed as fit for use by the insurance assessor. The colour will change in 6 months and the new colour will be applied to those items that pass the next inspection. This is a simple but effective method that is widely used in industrial and workshop environments.

Here’s a photo of the upgraded storage area for the lifting equipment, nice and tidy with labelling applied to each hook to identify the item that should be hanging there. Let’s hope that our volunteers keep it tidy and properly organised.

The lifting tackle storage area at Williton was re-organised by the ‘Williton Infrastructure Division’ over the weekend of 21st/22nd September 2024. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Many thanks to the ‘WID’, whose efforts often go unreported and seldom hit the headlines, but are making constant progress towards enhancing the facilities and capabilities of the DEPG. Well done guys !

 

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 Weekly Roundup post

A bit of a surprise on the first day of the WSR’s ‘FORTIES EVENT’ – Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) was attached at the rear of the 10:40 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead service. The 1960’s loco was being moved to Minehead to provide cover for a steam loco that was giving a bit of trouble. In the end, the diesel was not needed until the following day. Pictured at Crowcombe Heathfield with WSR ‘Mogul’ 9351 on Saturday 14th September 2024 by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The WSR took on a 1940s look for the weekend of 14/15th September as each station along the line hosted a range of special activities with a 1940s theme, everything from unexploded bombs through to song and dance. The blue skies of the Saturday had clouded over by the Sunday, but the weather remained good and the event was very well attended, with several additional trains running and wartime goods trains adding to the interest on the Saturday.

On the Sunday, one of the steam locos developed a fault so the goods trains had to be cancelled and our Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) was ‘requisitioned by the authorities’ and pressed into action on four passenger services, to ensure that the full published passenger service was provided. Very useful locos, these Class 33s !

 

 

DIESEL RUNNING DATES

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 will be hauling the BLUE timetable diesel turns on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September with 80 miles of haulage available each day.

As the ‘Hymek’ is currently stabled at Williton, there will be a ‘Light Engine’ working on Saturday morning, leaving Williton at 0900 and arriving at Minehead at 0935 so that the ‘Hymek’ can take up position at the head of the 10:00 service to Bishops Lydeard.

Catching a ride behind D7017 will be Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 and Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048), both going to Minehead for different reasons. The ’14’ will position over the pit at Minehead so that an underframe inspection can be carried out. The ’33’ is fresh from an ‘A’ exam at Williton and will take over as Duty Loco from sister D6575 (33057) who will in turn catch a ride behind D9526 when she returns to Williton later in the day. These additional workings should make for some interesting photo opportunities. See our DIESELGEN bulletin for more details.

Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details of diesel-hauled public services and sign up to our DIESELGEN email bulletin service to get advance notice of non-public service running. 

 

Click here to join the DEPG

Click here to go to our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page

Click here to go to our ONLINE SHOP

Click here to support D1010

Thank you very much for your support !

 

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the hard work on the ‘B’ bogie resumed on Saturday 14th as the team, comprising Gordon, Ian F and Thomas, turned their attention to the equalising beams that distribute the weight between the outermost pair of axles in the bogie. The beams are hung from inverted ‘pedestals’ that are bolted into place within the bogie frame and are very difficult to access, especially when plastered with dirt and grease. After many hours spent cleaning and preparing, the retaining bolts on the pedestal bearings were eventually released and the first of the two equalising beams extracted. The associated pedestal was then easy to access and removal took a matter of minutes. Having done the first one, the others should be ‘easy’ ….. but everything is relative !

The general scheme of work on the ‘B’ bogie is as follows, with status information added:

1. Remove the cardan shafts – 100% completed on 10th August
2. Remove the brake rigging – 100% completed on 24th August
3. Remove the primary springs – 100% completed on 24th August
4. Remove the equalising beams and pedestals – 50% completed on 14th September.
5. Remove the secondary springs
6. Inspect the bogie frames, wheel bearings and gearboxes
7. Replace the torque reaction rubbers
8. Re-assemble using repaired or replacement parts as required.

As always, there is plenty to do on this massive locomotive, so please CONTACT US if you are a DEPG member and would like to come along to help.

D1010 – volunteer Ian F was hard at work preparing for the extraction of the equalising beams of the ‘B’ bogie at Williton on Saturday 14th September 2024. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the first of the two equalising beams of the ‘B’ bogie sees the light of day after 50+ years of being incarcerated inside the bogie frame. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 14th September 2024 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – and it’s out, complete with the ‘pedestal’ that allows it to pivot and transfer the load from one axle to another. The only issue is that it pivots a little too easily due to the amount of wear in the bearings. Some remedial work is required. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 14th September 2024 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the component parts of the ‘pedestal’ that sits inside the bogie frame and carries the equalising beam that transfers some of the load from one axle to another. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 14th September 2024 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Please help us with this very important work by making a donation to the D1010 Restoration Fund and support the repair work that is taking place right now. Thank you in advance for your help.

      

We are still offering the SPONSOR A PATCH scheme where your name or message will be engraved into the metal of the loco body as acknowledgement of your donations to the D1010 RESTORATION FUND. We are a bit behind with the engraving but now that the loco body has been determined as safe to work on, we can resume the engraving and catch up. There is plenty more metal yet to be engraved, so GET YOUR SPONSORED PATCH BY CLICKING THIS LINK !

 

 

Class 09 D4107 (09019) – this loco is based at Bishops Lydeard and is in regular use in support of WSR activities. At the end of the season, she will move to Williton to undergo body repairs and a repaint, along with some other maintenance activities that are aimed at keeping her reliable and available for service.

Class 09 Shunter D4107 (09019) was basking in the sunshine at Bishops Lydeard when pictured on Sunday 15th September 2024. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – This loco will take up the role of Duty Loco when she arrives at Minehead on Saturday 21st September. Her next booked duties are under the BLUE TIMETABLE on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th September.

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco will return to Williton on Saturday 21st September to undergo an ‘A exam and several other items of planned maintenance.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is stabled at Williton and will be moving to Minehead to take up her duties on the diesel diagram of the BLUE TIMETABLE on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September. 

 

Click on this link or on the graphic below to visit our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page.

 

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – our ‘transmission team’ were back in the saddle with immediate results on Monday and Tuesday 9th/10th September with an excellent balance of action and care. The photos show that the re-assembly of the transmission is moving forward, but with trial assembly of each stage to allow measurements to be taken and the necessary clearances obtained and verified. This careful approach will pay dividends and allow us to have the required level of confidence when we get to the testing phase in the near future.

D7018 – the oil pump was disassembled to check for cleanliness and damage. Everything was OK but the bearings were not great so they were exchanged with those from the ‘good spare’. Pictured at Williton on Monday 9th September 2024 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D7018 – the massive torque converter assembly was trial fitted to the primary geartrain shaft of the transmission at Williton on Tuesday 10th September 2024. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D7018 – having the torque converter in position allowed the end float of the primary geartrain shaft to be measured at the far end. Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 10th September 2024 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Please help us with this very important work by making a donation to DEPG funds and allowing us to support the repair work that is taking place on D7018 right now. Thank you in advance for your help.

      

 

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – the team are powering ahead with the overhaul of the Paxman ‘Ventura’ 6YJXL engine that was previously installed in sister loco D9526. The pistons and cylinder liners were removed from the engine, exposing the crankshaft journals, all of which were in very good condition. Here are some photos:

D9518 – the six pistons from the Paxman ‘Ventura’ 6YJXL engine were removed and arranged on the steel table in front of the ‘Tuesday Team’ (L-R, Terry, Nick, Tony and Linda) at Williton on 10th September 2024. Photo by Mark Bladwell © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the six cylinder liners were also removed for inspection and to allow the sealing surfaces to be cleaned and inspected. So far so good ! Pictured at Williton on 14th September 2024 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Click here or on the image below to make a donation towards the restoration of D9518. Thank you very much for your support !

 

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is moving to Minehead on Saturday 21st (along with ‘Hymek’ D7017) and will then position over the pit for an underframe exam and a brake adjustment. The loco will return to Williton later that same day, working ‘Light Engine’, with Class 33 D6575 (33057) in tow.

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is based at Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway but is currently out of service because of a coolant leak from the liner of cylinder B3. Only one of the 12 cylinders appears to be affected, but further investigations will be carried out as part of the repair work. A subcontractor has been engaged to allow the work to proceed quickly, and the completion date is scheduled for early October.

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – our loco may not have been used much during these last few weeks but her twin sister, number 579 (ROF 2), has been busy, moving ex-GWR coaches from Dunster sidings to the new West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust (WSRHT) workshop at Washford, where restoration can take place under cover. The moves were performed as ‘top-and-tail’ with Class 03 shunter D2133 at the rear and at walking pace, because these coaches have not moved in a very long time.

Barclay 579 (ROF2) was in use to haul several ex-GWR coaches from Dunster Sidings to Washford on Monday 9th September 2024. Each coach was moved separately at walking pace with the Barclay in the lead and Class 03 shunter D2133 at the rear. Photo by the WSRHT © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

BOOK REVIEW: with the closedown news from PROJECT 22 reported in the Roundup for 25-Aug-24 still fresh in our minds, we will continue to feature Anthony Sayer’s detailed analysis of the Class 22 for one more week and we will also include the Class in the ‘ON SHED’ feature further below. Both volumes of these books are in stock and ready for those who want to learn more about these extinct machines. Even though they were seldom at the top of the loco spotter’s list of favourites, they still have a right to exist and it is sad that not a single example of Classes 16, 21, 22, 29, 41 or 43 remain, a total of 164 main line locomotives that were built in Glasgow for BR by the North British Locomotive Company.

To find out more, consider purchasing VOLUMES 1 and 2 of THE NORTH BRITISH CLASS 22 by Anthony P. Sayer.

         

           VOLUME 1 – Setting the Scene                                   VOLUME 2 – Detailed Insights

 

Volume 1 tells the story of the origins and development of the NBL Class 22 locos, and covers each member of the class in some detail, in the usual style of the author. Volume 2 delves into their service record and extensive modifications list, ending with details on their final disposal. None were saved.

Highly recommended and offered at £26 per copy via the DEPG online store. Click here or on the image above to get your copy and in doing so, support the DEPG !

 

 

The DEPG 2025 CALENDAR is now available for mailing, comprising 14 printed pages of A3 (twice A4 size) glossy paper on a spiral wire binder. This calendar features the DEPG’s locomotives, both in service and in preservation, with all of the photos being provided by members and supporters. Click here or on the image above to GET YOUR COPY – WHILE STOCKS LAST – for £14 plus p&p.

 

 

ON SHED: one more photo on the Class 22 theme before we move on, again from regular contributor BARRY GAY, this one taken on a Wednesday afternoon in September 1971, almost exactly 53 years ago, at Hemyock, a villiage in the Blackdown Hills near the Devon-Somerset border, 5 miles south of Wellington. This was the terminus of a branch line from Tiverton Junction that had been built as the Culm Valley Light Railway back in 1876, and was kept alive until 1975 by the existence of a United Dairies creamery. Here are Barry’s words on the subject:

     “D6336 shunting milk tanks at Hemyock on Wednesday, September 22, 1971. The Class 22 worked in with the empties from Exeter at 15.35, leaving with 5 full tanks at 16.30. The Hemyock and Torrington milk trains continued with Class 22s until the end of the year, in fact until Saturday, January 1, 1972 when D6339 worked the last Class 22-hauled Hemyock and D6333 the last Torrington. Both trains arrived at Exeter St Davids within 5 minutes of each other, uncoupled, with the locos going to Exeter stabling point where they were immediately withdrawn. The milk tanks would have been put on the 6A21 St. Erth-Kensington later that evening hauled by a Class 52 !!”

Many thanks to Barry for sharing his photos and his memories with us all.

North British Type 2 Class 22 D6336 was pictured on Wednesday 22nd September 1971 while shunting 6-wheeled milk tank wagons at Hemyock, the terminus of the 7.5 mile (12 km) Culm Valley branch line that joined the main Bristol to Exeter line at Tiverton Junction. Photo by Barry Gay © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

DEPG NEWS: last week’s roundup included a brief summary of the proceedings of the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) of the DEPG that took place at Williton on Saturday 7th September. A detailed report is being prepared and will be included in the next Newsletter. Any DEPG members who would like to receive the detailed report sooner or by email are invited to request a report by using our CONTACT FORM or emailing the subject ‘AGM REPORT‘ to contact@deg.org

The Financial Report for 2023 has now been filed with Companies House and the filing with the Charity Commission will be completed later this month (this must be done before 31st October). 

 

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 Weekly Roundup post

An unusual study of Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 (ROF 1) and DEPG volunteer and driver Colin G engaged on shunting activities at Williton on Saturday 7th September 2024. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The focus of activities at Williton last Saturday 7th September 2024 was the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) of the DEPG, an essential and mandatory gathering of members to listen to the reports presented by the Chairman and Treasurer and approve them and appoint the Board of Trustees and Directors for another year. The meeting started at 14:00 and the formal business was completed by 14:35, after which WSR Assistant General Manager SEB WELSH gave a presentation and outlined the performance of the railway in 2024 and the outlook for 2025. The meeting was attended by 30 members and proxy forms received from 20 more, so there were 50 votes in play.

The proposals made by the Board were accepted unchanged and the Board was voted back in for another year, again unchanged. Many thanks to those who came along to the AGM to take their opportunity to help guide the Group in the desired direction.

DEPG Chairman Martin Howard was pictured while presenting his report to the assembled members at the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the DEPG. Not many AGMs have a pair of Bristol Siddeley Maybach MD-655 engines as a backdrop, these two being those belonging to D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’. Pictured at Williton on 7th September 2024 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Several members arrived on the Class 33-hauled service from Bishops Lydeard at 13:07 and departed on the 15:17, treating themselves to a double dose of ‘Crompton’ haulage. The AGM proceedings were timed to fit into this well-established pattern. Other members chose to arrive on earlier trains or by car, to take advantage of the opportunity to tour the depot and talk to the volunteers involved with the restoration of their favourite locomotives. Thank you to all who attended !

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) was carrying the ‘GK’ headcode in memory of former DEPG volunteer the late PAUL BRITTON (covered in the Roundup on 01-Sep-24) when pictured during the Williton station stop on Saturday 7th September 2024. Stabled in the DEPG yard on the left are Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 and Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

DIESEL RUNNING DATES

This coming weekend is the WSR’s special FORTIES EVENT so our 1960s locos will play only a minor supporting role and be mostly concentrated in our yard at Williton, all except Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) which will be working the 08:55 departure from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard on Saturday 14th and the 16:10 return service to Minehead on Sunday 15th.

There will a main line diesel presence in the form of a WEST COAST RAILWAY COMPANY Class 47 which will be at the rear of the ‘BLACK FIVE‘ hauled ‘WEST SOMERSET STEAM EXPRESS‘ railtour. This railtour is due to arrive at Bishops Lydeard at 1137 on Saturday 14th, continuing to Minehead and arriving at 1305, departing from Minehead at 1520 to return to Paddington (departing Bishops Lydeard at 1640). The ‘Black Five’ and the ’47’ will be in charge of the train throughout.

Then, on Tuesday 17th, the MIDLAND PULLMAN will be visiting Dunster and Minehead on an out-and-back trip from Carnforth. The MIDLAND PULLMAN services are fully booked way in advance and showcase the HST which forms the basis for the service these days (the original 1960 train sets did not survive beyond 1975).

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 will be hauling the BLUE timetable diesel turns on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September with 80 miles of haulage available each day.

Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details of diesel-hauled public services and sign up to our DIESELGEN email bulletin service to get advance notice of non-public service running. 

 

FORTHCOMING EVENTS on the WSR (click on the links below for more details):

Saturday and Sunday 14th and 15th September – The Forties event

 

Click here to join the DEPG

Click here to go to our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page

Click here to go to our ONLINE SHOP

Click here to support D1010

Thank you very much for your support !

 

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – with the AGM dominating the activities last weekend, the team only had time to gather up the parts and move the ‘B’ bogie out of the loco shed to allow space for the AGM attendees. The ‘B’ bogie was moved back inside as soon as the visitors had left the building, and work will start again this coming weekend.

The next step for the bogie is the cleaning out of the mass of dirt and grease that has accumulated in the spring pockets and the inside of the bogie frame, before attempting the removal of the equalising beams and pedestals. The general scheme of work is as follows, with status information added:

1. Remove the cardan shafts – completed on 10th August
2. Remove the brake rigging – completed on 24th August
3. Remove the primary springs – completed on 24th August
4. Remove the equalising beams and pedestals – planned for the weekend of 14th September.
5. Remove the secondary springs
6. Inspect the bogie frames, wheel bearings and gearboxes
7. Replace the torque reaction rubbers
8. Re-assemble using repaired or replacement parts as required.

 

As a parallel activity, the re-assembly of the first repaired cooler group is proceeding well, with the top coat of paint applied and the grilles and walkway re-fitted. As always, there is plenty to do on this massive locomotive, so please CONTACT US if you are a DEPG member and would like to come along to help.

 

D1010 – the space that is normally occupied by one of the primary suspension leaf springs can be seen to be full of oily dirt and grease from almost 50 years of running. All six spring pockets need to be thoroughly cleaned out so that we can inspect the bogie frames before repainting. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 31st August 2024 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the cooling fan grilles and disused (but authentic) walkway have now been re-fitted to the first repaired cooler group at Williton. This cooler group is now ready to turn over to allow repairs to take place on the other side. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 7th September 2024 by Jon Tooke  © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – a corroded water pipe has been repaired by welding-in a patch of new steel. This pipe is now ready for painting into the designated colour for coolant pipes, which is ‘French Blue’. Pictured at Williton on Monday 16th August 2024 by Tony Austin  © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Please help us with this very important work by making a donation to the D1010 Restoration Fund and support the repair work that is taking place right now. Thank you in advance for your help.

      

We are still offering the SPONSOR A PATCH scheme where your name or message will be engraved into the metal of the loco body as acknowledgement of your donations to the D1010 RESTORATION FUND. We are a bit behind with the engraving but now that the loco body has been determined as safe to work on, we can resume the engraving and catch up. There is plenty more metal yet to be engraved, so GET YOUR SPONSORED PATCH BY CLICKING THIS LINK !

 

Class 09 D4107 (09019) – this loco is based at Bishops Lydeard and is in regular use in support of WSR activities.

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – This loco is now back at Williton where she will undergo maintenance and attention to minor faults that have been reported by the loco crews. The loco remains serviceable and could be called upon at short notice.

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is now outstationed at Minehead and will be in use on a single 20-mile working during each day of the FORTIES EVENT that takes place on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is stabled at Williton and is ready for her next booked duties, which will be the diesel diagram of the BLUE TIMETABLE on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September. 

 

Click on this link or on the graphic below to visit our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – our ‘transmission team’ continued taking their well-earned break last week, so our coverage of work on this loco will be paused until next week, when there will be plenty to report !

 

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – the AGM prevented any work being done on Saturday 7th but the team had been busy on the previous Tuesday, preparing for the removal of the pistons from the Paxman 6YJXL engine that was previously installed in sister loco D9526. More news on this loco next week.

 

Click here or on the image below to make a donation towards the restoration of D9518. Thank you very much for your support !

 

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is currently stabled at Williton, but will move to Minehead on Saturday 21st (along with ‘Hymek’ D7017) and will then position over the pit for an underframe exam and a brake adjustment. The loco will return to Williton later that same day, working ‘Light Engine’.

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is based at Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway but is currently out of service because of a coolant leak from the liner of cylinder B3. Only one of the 12 cylinders appears to be affected, but further investigations will be carried out as part of the repair work. A subcontractor has been engaged to allow the work to proceed quickly, and the completion date is scheduled for early October.

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this loco was inside the loco shed on No. 2 road but had to be moved out to make space for the AGM. This loco was then used to shunt the yard on Saturday 7th to make space to allow D1010‘s bogie to be rolled out of the loco shed, and then ended up boxed in between D6566 and D7017. This will be sorted out some time before Saturday 21st to allow D7017 and D9526 clear passage to depart from No. 1 road and run to Minehead,

 

 

BOOK REVIEW: with the closedown news from PROJECT 22 reported in the Roundup for 25-Aug-24 still fresh in our minds, we will continue to feature Anthony Sayer’s detailed analysis of the Class 22 and we will also include the Class in the ‘ON SHED’ feature further below. Both volumes of these books are in stock and ready for those who want to learn more about these extinct machines. Even though they were seldom at the top of the loco spotter’s list of favourites, they still have a right to exist and it is sad that not a single example of Classes 16, 21, 22, 29, 41 or 43 remain, a total of 164 main line locomotives that were built in Glasgow for BR by the North British Locomotive Company.

To find out more, consider purchasing VOLUMES 1 and 2 of THE NORTH BRITISH CLASS 22 by Anthony P. Sayer.

         

           VOLUME 1 – Setting the Scene                                   VOLUME 2 – Detailed Insights

 

Volume 1 tells the story of the origins and development of the NBL Class 22 locos, and covers each member of the class in some detail, in the usual style of the author. Volume 2 delves into their service record and extensive modifications list, ending with details on their final disposal. None were saved.

Highly recommended and offered at £26 per copy via the DEPG online store. Click here or on the image above to get your copy and in doing so, support the DEPG !

 

DEPG CALENDAR 2025

The DEPG 2025 CALENDAR is now available for mailing, comprising 14 printed pages of A3 (twice A4 size) glossy paper on a spiral wire binder. This calendar features the DEPG’s locomotives, both in service and in preservation, with all of the photos being provided by members and supporters. Click here or on the image above to GET YOUR COPY – WHILE STOCKS LAST – for £14 plus p&p.

 

 

ON SHED: staying with the Class 22 theme, we have another photo from regular contributor BARRY GAY, this one taken on a Sunday morning in February 1971 at Exeter Stabling Point, opposite Exeter St Davids station and at that time, absolutely brimming with North British diesel hydraulics. Here are Barry’s words on the subject:

     “This is a view of Exeter stabling point on Sunday, February 14, 1971, taken from where Exeter Panel Box is now, at midday. There were 15 locos on shed, comprising: L-R: D6315, 6323, 813 ‘DIADEM’, D864 ‘ZAMBESI’, D6307, D7005 and 867 ‘ZENITH’. On the single road in the yard were two Class 08s and 857 ‘UNDAUNTED’ (in the foreground). Hidden in the shed were D7040, D6334, D4167 and Class 45 ‘Peak’ 56 plus D826 ‘JUPITER’.

     This was my regular Sunday morning visit. I was after a photograph of D6307 in particular, as it was the only Class 22 to survive into 1971 fitted with larger headcode boxes. It was withdrawn six weeks later, on 27th March 1971.

     You could walk around the depot unhindered, take your time, get your photos. For me 1971 was the best year for variety of classes and liveries. It was possible to see around 13 different types of loco on an ordinary day. Of course we did not know what was just around the corner – the big hydraulic cull of October 1971.

     Going to Newton Abbot on October 10, I saw 30 diesel hydraulics withdrawn from traffic. 11 of which were in Hackney yard. The other 19 were in the depot and yard area. The locos were all classes 22, 42 and 43. I managed to get into Hackney yard unobserved to get my photos, the only ones I have of engines in there.

     Gradually over the weeks locos disappeared, but we still had plenty to see. Good job the ’52s’ lasted longer than anything else hydraulic.”

 

Many thanks to Barry for sharing his photos and his memories with us all.

Exeter St Davids stabling point on Sunday 14th February 1971, with (L-R) D6316, 6323, 813, D864, D6307, D7005 and 867. In the foreground is 857, so eight locos plus a DMU in view and another seven locos lurking nearby. By Class, there were 3 x 08, 4 x 22, 2 x 35, 2 x 42, 3 x 43, 1 x 45 on shed that day. All 15 locos were still registered as being in service at the end of that month, but only 6 survived beyond the end of the year, and only two of those were hydraulics. Photo by Barry Gay © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

DEPG NEWS: as reported above, the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) of the DEPG took place at Williton on Saturday 7th September. The Financial Report for 2023 will now be filed with Companies House (this must be done before 30th September) and the appropriate data extracted for filing with the Charity Commission (this must be done before 31st October). 

 

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 Weekly Roundup post

In a perfect example of teamwork, Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 was being shunted over the pit by resident Class 03 D2133 under the control of the Minehead Engineering team when pictured at Minehead on 28th August 2024. This very helpful positioning move allowed the DEPG volunteers to quickly gain access to the loco for an underframe inspection and a brake adjustment the following morning, after which the loco returned ‘light engine’ to Williton. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

On Saturday 31st August, the opportunity arose for Beyer Peacock ‘Hymek’ D7017 to go over the pit at Minehead for an underframe inspection and a routine brake slack adjustment before the loco departed ‘light engine’ for Williton. Next in use on Saturday and Sunday 21/22 September, the ‘Hymek’ would have been ahead of her time if she remained stabled at Minehead during the forthcoming ‘Forties Event‘ that the WSR will be staging next weekend (14/15th September), besides which we have a list of small but important maintenance tasks to carry out on the loco, for which she needed to be back at Wiliiton.

 

On Saturday 31st August, Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) was in use on the diesel turn on Saturday, changing over to sister D6575 (33057) at Williton on the last leg of the journey back to Minehead. This loco swap was carried out to allow D6566 to undergo some maintenance work at Williton and to share the workload, which is a major step towards ensuring that both locos retain their excellent record for reliability.

 

Wednesday 28th August saw the last of the current set of four running opportunities for the GWR ‘Castle’ class HST that has been covering the peak-season 40-mile diesel turn on each Wednesday of August. The regular running proved very popular, with a significant uptick in the number of passengers on Wednesdays, with many travellers coming from far and wide to enjoy the WSR from the quiet and comfortable HST. As this running has been in addition to the scheduled DEPG loco running, it has showcased the wider appeal of mixed traction on the WSR and we look forward to more such running opportunities in the future. MANY THANKS to the volunteer GWR crew members who have worked alongside their WSR counterparts to deliver these services.

Visiting GWR ‘Castle’ Class HST (43154 leading, 43155 trailing) provided an interesting comparison with an earlier generation of diesel traction when calling at Williton with the 1100 service from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead on Wednesday 28th August 2024. Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) was stabled between the HST and Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 in this photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

PAUL BRITTON RIP

Some sad news has reached us regarding the loss of a former DEPG volunteer and WSR secondman who had played a significant role in the restoration of Class 33 D6575 (33057) in the mid-2000s. Although Paul had not been a member for a while, the fond memories of his DEPG colleagues were clearly evident at Williton last weekend and the headcodes of the Class 33s were set to ‘GK’ as a mark of respect. To find out why ‘GK’, it is necessary to ready the obituary below.

The late Paul Britton at work, coupling Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ on the left to Class 42 ‘Warship’ D832 ‘ONSLAUGHT’ at Williton on 16th June 2007. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The obituary that follows has been kindly provided by fellow DEPG volunteer Jon Tooke:

    PAUL BRITTON – A truly highly skilled, thoughtful and genuinely funny guy. An avid Bristol Rovers fan, he was a true ‘Gas’. He loved the BR Blue and Grey era and enjoyed seeing and travelling behind the BRCW class 33s so much so he became part owner of one based on the Swanage Railway, but he was never a fan of any any diesels from the ‘Evil Empire’ (EE) !

    Back in his younger days he would go spotting near his parent’s house in Keynsham (Bristol) and he especially enjoyed seeing all the 33 workings. Other Gricers and BR staff got very used to seeing him there and they gave him the nickname of ‘Gooner-Keynsham’. The ‘GK’ initials stuck and many knew and referred to him by these.

     As a mark of respect following his sudden passing, the DEPG ran their 33s over the weekend of 31st Aug/1st Sept with ’GK’ displayed in the route indicator boxes.

     Farewell Paul. Friend, colleague and fellow diesel preservation enthusiast. You will be remembered and sadly missed.
     R.I.P. GK.

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) was pictured at the Stogumber station stop on Sunday 1st September 2024, displaying the ‘GK’ headcode in memory of the late Paul Britton. Photo by Mark Ireland © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

DIESEL RUNNING DATES

Our locos will next be in use this coming weekend 7th and 8th September with Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) working the 10:00 departures and subsequent 80-mile diagrams from Minehead on both days.

We have added another date for Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 to haul the BLUE timetable diesel turn and this loco will now work on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September with 80 miles of haulage available each day.

Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details of diesel-hauled public services and sign up to our DIESELGEN email bulletin service to get advance notice of non-public service running. 

 

 

FORTHCOMING EVENTS on the WSR (click on the links below for more details):

Saturday and Sunday 14th and 15th September – The Forties event

 

Click here to join the DEPG

Click here to go to our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page

Click here to go to our ONLINE SHOP

Click here to support D1010

Thank you very much for your support !

 

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – it was time to consolidate the recent progress and start work on the cleaning and inspection of the many components that had been removed from the ‘B’ bogie during the past few weeks. The various parts were labelled then stacked on pallets, giving us plenty of work for the weeks ahead.

The next step for the bogie is the cleaning out of the mass of dirt and grease that has accumulated in the spring pockets and the inside of the bogie frame, before attempting the removal of the equalising beams and pedestals. The general scheme of work is as follows, with status information added:

1. Remove the cardan shafts – completed on 10th August
2. Remove the brake rigging – completed on 24th August
3. Remove the primary springs – completed on 24th August
4. Remove the equalising beams and pedestals – planned for the weekend of 14th September.
5. Remove the secondary springs
6. Inspect the bogie frames, wheel bearings and gearboxes
7. Replace the torque reaction rubbers
8. Re-assemble using repaired or replacement parts as required.

 

The repairs to the first of the two cooler groups have made very good progress, and photos from a few weeks back have been included in this roundup. Well done Tony ! As always, there is plenty to do so please CONTACT US if you are a DEPG member and would like to come along to help.

D1010 – the two leaf springs that provide the primary suspension for the inboard axle of the ‘B’ bogie were pictured along with their bearings at Williton on Saturday 31st August 2024. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the bearing fits inside the pocket at the bottom of the spring buckle and is free to rotate as the bogie negotiates curves in the track. The curved load bearing surface engages with a corresponding recess in the axle box and is faced with manganese steel for long life – and five of the six are in remarkably good condition. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 31st August 2024 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – which means that the sixth is not in good condition at all. This component – and the associated axle box – will require remedial work to restore the correct functionality. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 31st August 2024 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – curiously, this spring shows the date of manufacture as 8-75 which is proof that the loco either had a bogie change or a bogie repair at Laira some time after July 1975. Can you help us expand the detail in our loco timeline ? Pictured at Williton on Saturday 24th August 2024 by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – corrosion repairs to the first of the two cooler groups are progressing. Cutting open one of the weak sections revealed the extent of the damage. Pictured at Williton on Monday 16th August 2024 by Tony Austin  © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the corroded steel has been cut out and replaced by new steel. This cooler group is now ready to turn over to allow repairs to take place on the other side. Pictured at Williton on Monday 16th August 2024 by Tony Austin  © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Please help us with this very important work by making a donation to the D1010 Restoration Fund and support the repair work that is taking place right now. Thank you in advance for your help.

      

We are still offering the SPONSOR A PATCH scheme where your name or message will be engraved into the metal of the loco body as acknowledgement of your donations to the D1010 RESTORATION FUND. We are a bit behind with the engraving but now that the loco body has been determined as safe to work on, we can resume the engraving and catch up. There is plenty more metal yet to be engraved, so GET YOUR SPONSORED PATCH BY CLICKING THIS LINK !

 

 

Class 09 D4107 (09019) – this loco is based at Bishops Lydeard and is in regular use in support of WSR activities.

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – This loco is now back at Williton where she will undergo maintenance and attention to minor faults that have been reported by the loco crews. The loco remains serviceable and could be called upon at short notice.

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is now outstationed at Minehead and will be in use on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th September on the 10:00 service from Minehead and the associated 80-mile diagram on both days.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – as covered previously, this loco received brake adjustment and an underframe inspection while over the pit at Minehead last Saturday, 31st August. The loco then returned to Williton to be made ready for her next booked duties, which will be on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September. 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 was positioned over the pit at Minehead on Saturday 30th August 2024, ready for an underframe inspection and brake adjustment the following morning. Photo by Rich Hiscox © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – our ‘transmission team’ took a well-earned break last week, so our coverage of work on this loco will be paused until next week.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – the engine work continues, with further dismantling of the engine block taking place while the preparation of the six replacement cylinder heads goes on in parallel. Meanwhile, John and Colin G continued their work on the cab restoration, with the re-fitting of the driver’s controller and reverser assemblies, one on each side of the desk in the cab.

D9518 – Colin G at work installing one of the two refurbished controller/reverser units into the driver’s desk at Williton on Saturday 30th August 2024. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – Colin G demonstrated the smooth and free motion of the fully refurbished power controller handle at Williton on Saturday 30th August 2024. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – and similarly on the other side of the cab. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 30th August 2024 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Click here or on the image below to make a donation towards the restoration of D9518. Thank you very much for your support !

 

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is stabled at Williton, but a recent inspection revealed some issues that will cause the loco to be taken out of service for a month or two while remedial work takes place. The loco will need to go into the loco shed so that the engine bonnet can be removed to allow access to the turbocharger inlet bellows, which has split open. While the loco is in the shed, the opportunity will be taken to remove and replace the cylinder head seals and gaskets to try to resolve the persistent oil leaks that are making a nuisance of themselves. The loco will first be worked to Minehead to go over the pit for an underframe inspection, currently being planned for Saturday 21st September, entering the loco shed upon its return to Williton later that same day.

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is based at Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway but is currently out of service because of a coolant leak from the liner of cylinder B3. Only one of the 12 cylinders appears to be affected, but further investigations will be carried out as part of the repair work. A subcontractor has been engaged to allow the work to proceed quickly, and the completion date is scheduled for early October.

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this loco is currently inside the loco shed on No. 2 road and remains fully serviceable and available for yard pilot duties.

 

 

BOOK REVIEW: with the closedown news from PROJECT 22 that we reported last week, it is quite opportune that we have both volumes of Anthony Sayer’s detailed analysis of the Class 22s in stock and ready for those who want to learn more about these extinct machines. Even though they were often far from the top of the loco spotter’s list of favourites, they still have a right to exist and it is sad that not a single example of Classes 16, 21, 22, 29, 41 or 43 remain, a total of 164 main line locomotives that were built in Glasgow for BR by the North British Locomotive Company.

To find out more, consider purchasing VOLUMES 1 and 2 of THE NORTH BRITISH CLASS 22 by Anthony P. Sayer.

         

           VOLUME 1 – Setting the Scene                                   VOLUME 2 – Detailed Insights

 

Volume 1 tells the story of the origins and development of the NBL Class 22 locos, and covers each member of the class in some detail, in the usual style of the author. Volume 2 delves into their service record and extensive modifications list, ending with details on their final disposal. None were saved.

Highly recommended and offered at £26 per copy via the DEPG online store. Click here or on the image above to get your copy and in doing so, support the DEPG !

 

DEPG CALENDAR 2025

The DEPG 2025 CALENDAR is now available for mailing, comprising 14 printed pages of A3 (twice A4 size) glossy paper on a spiral wire binder. This calendar features the DEPG’s locomotives, both in service and in preservation, with all of the photos being provided by members and supporters. Click here or on the image above to GET YOUR COPY – WHILE STOCKS LAST – for £14 plus p&p.

 

 

ON SHED: staying with the Class 22 theme, we are delighted to report that regular contributor BARRY GAY has provided us with five more studies of the Class at work in Devon during their final years. The first photograph, below, was taken almost exactly 53 years ago and shows the very rare sight of a Class 22 passing one of the Class 25s that had been drafted in from the Midland Region to replace it. Here are Barry’s words on the subject:

     “On Saturday, September 11, D6334 comes down the yard at Exeter on the morning parcels from Barnstaple with 7 vans. On the left is Class 25 D7657 which had just arrived from D16 Nottingham Division for crew training at Exeter. The 25s took over the milk and parcels workings from the Class 22s in January 1972. “

Many thanks to Barry for sharing his photos with us all.

BR Type 2 diesel-electric Class 25 D7657 (25307, 25908), built under subcontract by Beyer Peacock in 1966, heads east while North British Locomotive Company Type 2 diesel-hydraulic Class 22 number D6334 heads west past Exeter St Davids station on a dismal Saturday 11th September 1971. The Class 25 was in use for crew training with the aim of replacing the Class 22s on the milk and parcels workings. The ’22’ was withdrawn just three weeks later and was cut up in April 1972. Photo by Barry Gay © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

DEPG NEWS: the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) of the DEPG will take place at Williton on Saturday 7th September, starting at 1400. Formal AGM notices have been sent to all members according to their communication preferences (paper, paperless except newsletter or fully paperless). If you are a member, please do come along to help, support and guide the DEPG for the long-term benefit of our heritage locos and associated artefact collection.

Only fully paid-up members will be able to vote, so please make sure that you keep your membership account up to date. Thanks !

 

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 Weekly Roundup post

 

 

 

Diesels to the seaside – the classic summer scene on the West Somerset Railway. Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 crosses Lower Ker Moor after departing from Blue Anchor station with seven Mark 1 coaches in tow, en route to Dunster and Minehead. Pictured on Saturday 24th August 2024 by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The early rainfall that gave us a wet and dull start to the weekend cleared by lunchtime and morphed into a wonderful summer Saturday afternoon, just right for a trip to the seaside behind Beyer Peacock ‘Hymek’ D7017 ! The loco was in fine form, making light work of the seven Mark 1 coaches that are typical of the peak summer season. The loco was in use again the following day and delivered another fine performance, marking her eighth appearance on public services this season.

The ‘Hymek’ will undergo an underframe exam and brake block adjustment at Minehead on Saturday 31st before running ‘light engine’ back to Williton where she will remain until her final rostered working of this season, the BLUE timetable diesel turns on Saturday and Sunday 21st/22nd September.

 

This coming weekend we will have both of our Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ in use with D6566 (33048) covering the diesel turn on Saturday, changing over to sister D6575 (33057) at Williton on the last leg of the journey back to Minehead. This loco swap is to allow D6566 to undergo some maintenance work at Williton to ensure that both locos retain their excellent record for reliability.

 

Visiting GWR ‘Castle’ Class HST (43155 leading, 43154 trailing) provided another classic WSR image when climbing past Castle Hill on the outskirts of Williton, cleanly and quietly, on her way to Bishops Lydeard. Pictured on Wednesday 14th August 2024 by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

PROJECT 22 UPDATE

In March 2014, a group of like-minded people got together to set up ‘PROJECT 22‘ with the objective of building a NEW example of a class of locomotive that was not fortunate enough to be spared from the cutter’s torch – namely the NORTH BRITISH TYPE 2 DIESEL-HYDRAULIC, later to be known as Class 22. This ambitious project got off to a very good start and managed to acquire an engine of the correct type, in fact one that had previously been installed in Class 43 ‘Warship’ D850 ‘SWIFT’ !

However, the size of the task and the need for significant resources, both human and financial, proved too large for the relatively small number of enthusiasts who remembered these predominantly ‘West Country’ locos, so the lofty ideals could not be achieved. HATS OFF for trying though !

North British Type 2 Class 22 6356 was the penultimate of the 58 members of the class, entering service in September 1962. The loco was pictured at Exeter St Davids, where the type could often be seen on a wide range of duties until 1971 when the last four survivors of the class were culled. This loco only saw 9 years of service before being withdrawn as non-standard and surplus to requirements. Photo from the Project 22 collection © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Here’s a statement that has been provided to the DEPG by Richard Benyon of Project 22:

     “After 10 years, Project 22 has drawn to a close. The group’s aspiration to build a Class 22 failed, due to not being able to attract a management committee to take the project forward after many years of slow but steady technical design work and the collecting of components and assets which included a MAN engine number 220 last carried in a Warship. These assets have been protected should anyone come up with a plan to continue the project.

     It was felt that continuing to accept donations for a project that had almost come to a halt wasn’t practical, so all members were contacted and advised that the funds raised would be used to help other heritage railway projects in the form of donations to be split between the groups that had supported P22 in many ways over the years, namely:

• • The Western Locomotive Association
  • The Diesel & Electric Preservation Group
  • Bury Hydraulic Group
  • The Dean Forest Railway

     Over 10 years we have raised funds through donation and sales. We are very grateful to our members for many years of support and generosity and we are thankful that we can pass this generosity on to help these groups.”

     Project 22

 

As a direct result of the above, the DEPG has received a donation of £5,795 from Project 22 which has been allocated to the D1010 Restoration Fund as requested by the donor. Although it is sad to read that Project 22 has come to an end, the funds have been distributed for the continuance of diesel-hydraulic locomotive restoration elsewhere, and the DEPG very much appreciate being included in that distribution. THANK YOU VERY MUCH, PROJECT 22 !

 

 

DIESEL RUNNING DATES

Our locos will next be in use this coming weekend 31st August and 1st September with Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ in charge, D6566 (33048) on Saturday and D6575 (33057) on Sunday, working the 10:00 departures and subsequent 80-mile diagrams from Minehead on both days.

We have added another date for Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 to haul the BLUE timetable diesel turn and this loco will now work on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September with 80 miles of haulage available each day.

Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details of diesel-hauled public services and sign up to our DIESELGEN email bulletin service to get advance notice of non-public service running. 

 

FORTHCOMING EVENTS on the WSR (click on the links below for more details):

Saturday and Sunday 14th and 15th September – The Forties event

 

Click here to join the DEPG

Click here to go to our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page

Click here to go to our ONLINE SHOP

Click here to support D1010

Thank you very much for your support !

 

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – some excellent progress has been made on the overhaul of the first of D1010‘s bogies, with volunteers David and Sid each providing four days of constant effort, plus a major effort from Martin, James and Karl on the Saturday. The ‘B’ bogie has now completed the third stage (see below) with all six primary springs having been lifted out. The general scheme of work is as follows, with status information added:

1. Remove the cardan shafts – completed on 10th August
2. Remove the brake rigging – completed on 24th August
3. Remove the primary springs – completed on 24th August
4. Remove the equalising beams and pedestals
5. Remove the secondary springs
6. Inspect the bogie frames, wheel bearings and gearboxes
7. Replace the torque reaction rubbers
8. Re-assemble using repaired or replacement parts as required.

Volunteer D1010 team member Ian F has resumed his work on the loco bodywork, his aim being to get as much done as possible before the weather turns, and Tony has the repairs to the cooler groups in hand with one assembly close to completion and treated to a coat of gloss by Julie on Friday 23rd. There’s plenty to do as always, so please CONTACT US if you are a DEPG member and would like to come along to help.

D1010 – Volunteers David and Sid took a break from dismantling the brake rigging on the ‘B’ bogie to do some therapeutic dirt scraping on the ‘A’ bogie outdoors at Williton on Wednesday 21st August 2024. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – volunteer guard and secondman James tackled the nuts on the primary suspension leaf springs that are hidden inside the bogie frame. Each of the six springs bears down directly onto an axle box. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 24th August 2024 by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – after much effort, all six primary suspension leaf springs were lifted out from the bogie and set aside for cleaning and inspection. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 24th August 2024 by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – Meanwhile, Julie applied the top coat of ‘warning yellow’ (as left) to both fans of the repaired cooler group. These massive fans ensure that sufficient airflow passes through the cooler group to dissipate the heat from the engine, the intercoolers, the engine oil heat exchanger and the transmission fluid heat exchanger. Pictured at Williton on Friday 23rd August 2024 by Paul Tucker © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – volunteer Ian F took advantage of the good weather to get back to the massive task of preparing the bodywork of the loco for a repaint. He is working his way along every inch of the loco and we are very grateful for his commitment to the task. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 24th August 2024 by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Please help us with this very important work by making a donation to the D1010 Restoration Fund and support the repair work that is taking place right now. Thank you in advance for your help.

      

 

We are still offering the SPONSOR A PATCH scheme where your name or message will be engraved into the metal of the loco body as acknowledgement of your donations to the D1010 RESTORATION FUND. We are a bit behind with the engraving but now that the loco body has been determined as safe to work on, we can resume the engraving and catch up. There is plenty more metal yet to be engraved, so GET YOUR SPONSORED PATCH BY CLICKING THIS LINK !

 

 

Class 09 D4107 (09019) – this loco is based at Bishops Lydeard and is in regular use in support of WSR activities.

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – This loco has handled the role of Duty Loco and has been outstationed at Minehead throughout August. This loco will be in use on the BLUE timetable on Saturday 31st August and will then change places with sister D6575 (33057) who will work the service on Sunday 1st September. See our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for additional dates.

D6566 (33048) was pictured at Crowcombe Heathfield on Sunday 18th August 2024 while working the last service of the day from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead. Photo by Tom Courtney © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is Williton and is just awaiting the attention of the cleaning gang before returning to service. She will be changing places with her slightly older sister during the station stop at Williton, just after 5pm on Saturday 31st August.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – as covered previously, this loco will be returning to Williton on Saturday 31st August to be made ready for her next booked duties, which will be on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September.

GWR 4-6-0 7812 ‘ERLESTOKE MANOR’ was pictured in the headshunt, alongside Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 at Minehead on Bank Holiday Monday 26th August 2024. Photo by Mark Ireland © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – the careful work of re-assembly of the transmission continued, with the primary and secondary gear shaft assemblies being trial-fitted into the housing to check for the required dimensions and clearances. This work is laborious but is essential to ensuring that the transmission functions as intended, so it is time well spent. So far so good !

D7018 – the primary gear shaft assembly was lowered into the housing under the careful guidance of Geoff at Williton on Monday 19th August 2024. The helical teeth inside the shaft will engage with the output shaft from the torque converter at a later stage. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D7018 – a device was then made to set the required axial position of the primary gear shaft assembly so that the various clearances and tolerances could be measured along the length of the shaft. This is essential to ensure that everything will operate as it should when the rest of the assembly is added (by which time the opportunity to measure and adjust will have disappeared). Pictured at Williton on Monday 19th August 2024 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

Please help us with this very important work by making a donation to DEPG funds and allowing us to support the repair work that is taking place on D7018 right now. Thank you in advance for your help.

      

 

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – the major progress this week was with the engine overhaul, with the ‘turnover rig’ allowing relatively easy access to the camshaft that sits in the root of the V-shape between the two banks of cylinders. The camshaft was in good condition, the easily replaceable white metal bearing shells having sacrificed themselves to keep the camshaft rotating freely. The cylinder heads and valves are undergoing cleaning and re-profiling to ensure that the performance of the overhauled engine meets expectations.

Meanwhile, work done offsite by Colin G demonstrates both the degree of progress and the attention to detail, with the refurbishment of the driver’s controller/reverser handle assemblies now looking like they just came from the production line at the Brush Engineering factory, and almost ready to be re-installed and wired up by John. Well done team !

D9518 – the cylinder block of the Paxman ‘Ventura’ 6YJXL engine was rotated using the ‘turnover rig’ to allow access to the camshaft in the centre Vee space at Williton on Tuesday 20th August 2024. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the camshaft is mounted in the centre Vee space of the engine and runs in three plain bearings with a bushing at the free end. Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 20th August 2024 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the 12-lobe camshaft is driven by the helical gear on the left of the shaft, which in turn meshes with the timing gear that is driven from the crankshaft. Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 20th August 2024 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – one of the two refurbished controller/reverser units, complete with new parts for the Driver’s Safety Device (DSD) which comprises the white button at the end of the handle plus internal rods, springs and a microswitch that resets the DSD (power is cut and the brakes applied automatically if the DSD button is not held down). Detailed restoration work and photo dated 24th August 2024 by Colin Girle © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO OUR VOLUNTEERS AND ALL WHO HAVE FINANCED THE WORK ON D9518 !

 

Click here or on the image below to make a donation towards the restoration of D9518. Thank you very much for your support !

 

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is stabled at Williton and is waiting for her next job, which will hopefully be in September … (news will be posted on DIESEL RUNNING DATES and DIESELGEN pages).

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is based at Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway but is currently out of service because of a coolant leak from the liner of cylinder B3. Only one of the 12 cylinders appears to be affected, but further investigations will be carried out as part of the repair work. We hope to have reached agreement with the subcontractor and the NYMR during the next week or so, with the aim of getting the repair work completed by early October.

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this loco is currently inside the loco shed on No. 2 road and remains fully serviceable and available for yard pilot duties.

 

 

BOOK REVIEW: with the closedown news from PROJECT 22 reported earlier, it is quite opportune that we have both volumes of Anthony Sayer’s detailed analysis of the Class 22s in stock and ready for those who want to learn more about these extinct machines. Even though they were far from the top of the loco spotter’s list of favourites, they still have a right to exist and it is sad that not a single example of Classes 16, 21, 22, 29, 41 or 43 remain, a total of 164 main line locomotives that were built in Glasgow for BR by the North British Locomotive Company.

To find out more, consider purchasing VOLUMES 1 and 2 of THE NORTH BRITISH CLASS 22 by Anthony P. Sayer.

         

           VOLUME 1 – Setting the Scene                                   VOLUME 2 – Detailed Insights

 

Volume 1 tells the story of the origins and development of the NBL Class 22 locos, and covers each member of the class in some detail, in the usual style of the author. Volume 2 delves into their service record and extensive modifications list, ending with details on their final disposal. None were saved.

Highly recommended and offered at £26 per copy via the DEPG online store. Click here or on the image above to get your copy and in doing so, support the DEPG !

 

 

The DEPG 2025 CALENDAR is now available for mailing, comprising 14 printed pages of A3 (twice A4 size) glossy paper on a spiral wire binder. This calendar features the DEPG’s locomotives, both in service and in preservation, with all of the photos being provided by members and supporters. Click here or on the image above to GET YOUR COPY – WHILE STOCKS LAST – for £14 plus p&p.

 

 

ON SHED: staying with the Class 22 theme of this roundup, we would welcome any photos of the Class that our readers could share, because our own archive is quite lacking in respect of the type. We do have this photo from regular contributor Barry Gay, and we first featured this photo in January 2022, but hopefully readers from those early days will excuse a repeat of this highly relevant capture. Many thanks to Barry for sharing his photo with us all.

North British Locomotive Company Type 2 diesel-hydraulic Class 22 number D6337 stands at Newton Abbot loco shed after being refuelled on the evening of 5th July 1971. This loco entered service at Newton Abbot on 13th March 1962 and was withdrawn on 21st October 1971 after a short operational life of less than 10 years. The loco was broken up at Swindon Works in May of 1972.  Photo by Barry Gay © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

DEPG NEWS: the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) of the DEPG has been scheduled for Saturday 7th September, to take place at Williton Depot, starting at 1400. Formal AGM notices have been sent to all members according to their communication preferences (paper, paperless except newsletter or fully paperless). Please make a note of this date and please do come along to help, support and guide the DEPG for the long-term benefit of our heritage locos and associated artefact collection.

Only fully paid-up members will be able to vote, so please make sure that you keep your membership account up to date ! Thanks !

A Board Meeting will be held at Williton on Saturday 31st August, so please let us know by using our CONTACT FORM if you are a member and have any questions that you would like to place before 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 Weekly Roundup post

Saturday 15th June 2024 and Minehead had a distinctly diesel feel about it as the WSR’s Class 115 DMU was stabled alongside Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) while the crew of Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 changed ends to run back onto the stock to form the 14:30 departure to Bishops Lydeard. Photo by Carolyn Nation © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The weather seems to have gone downhill since the blue sky days of June depicted in the photo above, but apart from that, ‘Hymek’ D7017 will be working from Minehead again this weekend as the loco is operating the diesel turn of the BLUE TIMETABLE on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August. The ‘Crompton’ is currently at Williton but sister loco D6566 (33048) is stabled at Minehead, whereas the DMU is currently stabled at Bishops Lydeard for use on the midweek YELLOW TIMETABLE, sharing duties with the GWR ‘Castle Class’ HST. There’s plenty of diesel action and variety on the WSR these days !

 

DEPG Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 was sharing the siding at Westridge, Bishops Lydeard with visiting GWR HST ‘Castle’ set 43154 & 43155 when pictured on Tuesday 6th August 2024. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

DIESEL RUNNING DATES

Our locos will next be in use this coming weekend 24th/25th August when Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 will be working the 10:00 departures and subsequent 80-mile diagrams from Minehead on both days.

Mid-week throughout August, the DMU will be operating the 11:00 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and 15:25 return diesel service under the YELLOW timetable on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the GWR ‘Castle Class’ HST will be operating the diesel service on WEDNESDAY 28th August. It is well worth a visit to ride on these heritage machines – the HSTs are not far off from being 50 years of age and can only be found on public mainline services in Scotland or in the Far West, between Exeter and Penzance.

We have set another date for Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 to haul the BLUE timetable diesel turn on Saturday 21st September with 80 miles of haulage available, with one of our Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ in use on most weekends from late August through to end of September. We are currently looking into further running opportunities for September and October and will be sending out a DIESELGEN bulletin ASAP.

Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details of diesel-hauled public services and sign up to our DIESELGEN email bulletin service to get advance notice of non-public service running. 

 

FORTHCOMING EVENTS on the WSR (click on the links below for more details):

Saturday and Sunday 14th and 15th September – The Forties event

Williton signal box on 9th September 2023 during the WSR’s ‘1940s’ event – which takes place again on Sat/Sun 14/15th September this year. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

Click here to join the DEPG

Click here to go to our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page

Click here to go to our ONLINE SHOP

Click here to support D1010

Thank you very much for your support !

 

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – feeling much more confident after the findings of the initial bogie inspection, our volunteers have pushed ahead with the dismantling of the brake rigging so that each component can be cleaned and inspected, and either repaired, replaced or simply repainted and set aside for re-fitting at a later stage. Some very large and very tight nuts remain to be removed by more persuasive means, and then we will be moving on to the removal of the primary leaf springs and the associated spring hangers and equalising beams. We are expecting these parts to be heavily worn with some in need of replacement, but we will cross that bridge when we come to it. The general scheme of work is as follows:

1. Remove the cardan shafts
2. Remove the brake rigging
3. Remove the primary springs
4. Remove the equalising beams and pedestals
5. Remove the secondary springs
6. Inspect the bogie frames, wheel bearings and gearboxes
7. Replace the torque reaction rubbers
8. Re-assemble using repaired or replacement parts as required.

 

Work has re-commenced on the bodywork repairs and repainting to get this work done while still possible outdoors, and work continues on the cooler groups with one undergoing re-assembly during the next few weeks. There’s plenty to do as always, so please CONTACT US if you are a DEPG member and would like to come along to help.

D1010 – looking down onto the ‘B’ bogie which has now been moved inside the loco shed at Williton to undergo further dismantling and cleaning. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 17th August 2024 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – a view of the inboard end of the ‘B’ bogie with the two Maybach engines from the loco still on the oversize trolley on the right. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 17th August 2024 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – one of the access platforms was rigged up alongside the loco body at Williton on Saturday 17th August 2024 so that rubbing down, filling and painting could continue. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – Thomas finds that there is plenty to be done inside the loco, especially now that there is so much space to get to components that are normally inaccessible, such as the compressor on the far right. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 17th August 2024 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the view through the engine bays from the ‘B’ end with the light coming through the cab door at the ‘A’ end, revealing a huge space that needs cleaning and painting. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 17th August 2024 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Please help us with this very important work by making a donation to the D1010 Restoration Fund and support the repair work that is taking place right now. Thank you in advance for your help.

      

 

We are still offering the SPONSOR A PATCH scheme where your name or message will be engraved into the metal of the loco body as acknowledgement of your donations to the D1010 RESTORATION FUND. We are a bit behind with the engraving but now that the loco body has been determined as safe to work on, we can resume the engraving and catch up. There is plenty more metal yet to be engraved, so GET YOUR SPONSORED PATCH BY CLICKING THIS LINK !

 

Class 09 D4107 (09019) – this loco is based at Bishops Lydeard and is in regular use in support of WSR activities.

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – This loco has the role of Duty Loco and is outstationed at Minehead throughout August. This loco will be in use on the BLUE timetable on Saturday 31st August and Sunday 1st September. See our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for additional dates.

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is Williton and is just awaiting the attention of the cleaning gang before she can be returned to service, changing places with her slightly older sister when an opportunity arises.

D6575 (33057) and ‘Hymek’ D7018 were stabled on No. 2 and No. 3 roads respectively when pictured at Williton on Saturday 17th August 2024. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is in good shape and is ready for her next booked duties, which will be on Saturday and Sunday 24/25th August and again on Saturday 21st September. The loco received maintenance attention from well-known DEPG media celebrity NEIL before being started up and used to shunt the yard.

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 was the platform of choice for Neil to show off his dazzling new overalls, complete with GOLD BR double-arrow logos. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 17th August 2024 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – the re-assembly of the transmission continues with the careful checking and double-checking that is the hallmark of the ‘transmission team’ under the leadership of Colin F. This week’s progress involved the placing of the clutch operating forks and the secondary shaft into the housings, all done with great care and attention to the specified clearances and tolerances. Well done team !

On the loco itself, volunteer engineer Thomas was set the challenge of barring over the engine, which first involved arranging for the cardan shaft to be supported so that the bar could be engaged without the shaft being constrained by the transmission that is usually attached to it ! Needless to say, the job was soon done and the engine rotated freely and with no cause for concern.

D7018 – the internal oilways of the Stone-Maybach ‘Mekydro’ k184u hydro-mechanical transmission were checked for cleanliness by the gentle application of compressed air. Volunteer Tim carried out the checks on the lower half of the gearbox casing at Williton on Wednesday 14th August 2024. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D7018 – the six clutch selector forks were installed and checked for free movement by volunteer Tim at Williton on Wednesday 14th August 2024. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D7018 – the geartrain secondary shaft was lowered into position with great care and under the watchful eye of volunteer Tim at Williton on Wednesday 14th August 2024. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D7018 – the output from the engine is transmitted to the input shaft of the transmission via this enormous cardan shaft. Arrangements had to be made to support this shaft so that the engine could be ‘barred over’ (rotated manually with the help of a long steel bar) to keep it free and allow oil to be passed through it. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 17th August 2024 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D7018 – the space normally occupied by the transmission, with the engine cardan shaft dominating the view on the left side and one of the bogie drive shafts visible in the lower right of the photo. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 17th August 2024 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Please help us with this very important work by making a donation to DEPG funds and allowing us to support the repair work that is taking place on D7018 right now. Thank you in advance for your help.

      

 

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – the new Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) was wired up to the control cubicle and battery charging diode on Saturday 17th August, the job being carried out by John in his usual careful and professional style. Some more pipework was subjected to refurbishment and was hanging on the loco to dry, showing that parts continue to come to light and they invariably need cleaning, inspection, repair and repainting. The progress on the engine overhaul continues, mostly on Tuesdays, so we hope to have photos of that work next week.

D9518 – the white-painted Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) is visible in this view of the cab assembly at Williton on Saturday 17th August 2024, with the wiring now connected and made tidy. The item in the orange housing to the right is the battery charging diode and heat sink. This area is hidden from view when the loco is in service. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – some refurbished pieces of pipework were found to be hanging on the loco at Williton on Saturday 17th August 2024, no doubt drying after receiving the attention of Colin G and his spray gun. There is always something to be done on a major overhaul project. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO OUR VOLUNTEERS AND ALL WHO HAVE FINANCED THE WORK ON D9518 !

 

Click here or on the image below to make a donation towards the restoration of D9518. Thank you very much for your support !

 

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is stabled at Williton and is waiting for her next job, which will hopefully be in September … (news will be posted on DIESEL RUNNING DATES and DIESELGEN pages).

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is based at Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and has recently undergone repairs to a corroded silencer and the replacement of the turbo inlet bellows. Before going back into service, the loco was due for an oil change, but coolant was found in the sump and this triggered an investigation into the source of the leak. The engine oil heat exchanger checked out OK so the crankcase covers were removed … and cylinder B3 was found to be leaking from the cylinder liner. This has to be corrected before the loco can go back into service, so arrangements are being made for the work to be done under subcontract so that the loco can go back to work before the end of this season. More news next week.

47077 – the arrow points to a droplet of coolant that has leaked past the seal in the liner of cylinder B3 of her Sulzer twin-bank engine. This must be corrected before the loco can return to service. Image from a video clip dated 15th August 2024 by Josh Smith © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this loco was started up last Saturday and checked over, to keep her in good condition. As respite from the attention of the seagulls, she has been moved into the loco shed for a while, which will give us a chance to clean her up and give her some TLC. The loco remains fully serviceable and available for yard pilot duties.

Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 (ROF 1) is now inside the loco shed at Williton, and was pictured on Saturday 17th August 2024 as Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) looked on with envy. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

BOOK REVIEW: this week, we continue to offer VOLUMES 1 and 2 of THE NORTH BRITISH CLASS 22 by Anthony P. Sayer.

         

           VOLUME 1 – Setting the Scene                                   VOLUME 2 – Detailed Insights

These curious beasts were designed and built by the North British Locomotive Company in the late 1950s and soon gained a reputation for unreliability and erratic performance that was not helped by their builder going into liquidation in 1962. Volume 1 tells the story of the origins and development of the NBL Class 22 locos, and covers each member of the class in some detail, in the usual style of the author. Volume 2 delves into their service record and extensive modifications list, ending with details on their final disposal. None were saved.

Highly recommended and offered at £26 per copy via the DEPG online store. Click here or on the image above to get your copy and in doing so, support the DEPG !

NOTE: We can supply many other titles from Pen & Sword or Platform 5 upon request. Please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know what you would like us to be offering from our online store. Thanks !

 

The DEPG 2025 CALENDAR is now available for mailing, comprising 14 printed pages of A3 (twice A4 size) glossy paper on a spiral wire binder. This calendar features the DEPG’s locomotives, both in service and in preservation, with all of the photos being provided by members and supporters. Click here or on the image above to GET YOUR COPY – WHILE STOCKS LAST – for £14 plus p&p.

 

 

ON SHED: last week, we featured this photo from the collection of DEPG Publicity Officer, volunteer and secondman MARK BLADWELL, with our very own Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 alongside a Class 25 at Bristol Bath Road shed. This photo was taken shortly after the loco had been restricted to freight and engineering duties by the loss of her train heating capability.

The caption last week implied that the boiler had been removed, but this was not the case – it had simply been isolated (made inoperative) so that it would not have to be maintained in the last months of the life of the loco.

DEPG Treasurer PAUL TUCKER immediately responded with a photo of an article that was carried in issue 382 of RAILWAY WORLD magazine in which the early days story of our two ‘Hymeks’ was told. We hope to feature this in more detail soon, but we will need permission which takes a little time to obtain. Meanwhile, here’s the photo from last week and the photo from Railway World below, showing that the boiler was in fact lifted out of the loco at Washford on the WSR on 18th December 1977 !

We thank Mark for sharing his photo with us all and Paul for bringing the boiler story to our attention.

 

Pictured at Bristol Bath Road shed on 29th March 1974, our very own Class 35 ‘Hymek’ 7017 was in the company of Class 25 7511 (25161) the ‘Hymek’ having been withdrawn but reinstated minus her train heat capability, therefore banished to working freight and engineering trains until the end of her mainline career. Photo by Mark Bladwell © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Preserved Class 35 ‘Hymek’ 7017 had her boiler lifted out at Washford on the West Somerset Railway on 18th December 1977.  The above photo was accompanied by a very interesting article in RAILWAY WORLD magazine, issue 382 (summer 1978). Photo by The Diesel and Electric Group © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

DEPG NEWS: the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) of the DEPG has been scheduled for Saturday 7th September, to take place at Williton Depot, starting at 1400. Formal AGM notices have been sent to all members according to their communication preferences (paper, paperless except newsletter or fully paperless). Please make a note of this date and please do come along to help, support and guide the DEPG for the long-term benefit of our heritage locos and associated artefact collection.

Only fully paid-up members will be able to vote, so please make sure that you keep your membership account up to date ! Thanks !

A Board Meeting will be held at Williton on Saturday 31st August, so please let us know by using our CONTACT FORM if you are a member and have any questions that you would like to place before 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 Weekly Roundup post