• Loading 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ at Bishops Lydeard

    BR-Brush Class 47 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ pictured with a halo in the early morning winter sunshine after being loaded onto an Allelys heavy transport rig at Bishops Lydeard on Thursday 13th January 2022 and soon to start her journey northward to the NYMR. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Click here to go to the Gallery page that presents a series of photos and video clips of the process of loading our 118-tonne Class 47 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ on to an Allelys transport rig for haulage to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

     

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  • 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ is on the road – updated

    BR-Brush Class 47 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ pictured after being loaded onto an Allelys heavy transport rig at Bishops Lydeard on Thursday 13th January 2022 and soon to start her journey northward to the NYMR. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    BR-Brush Class 47 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ pictured departing Bishops Lydeard on an Allelys heavy transport rig just before midday on Thursday 13th January 2022 at the start of her 300-mile journey northward to the NYMR. Video by Chris Shields © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Our ‘celebrity’ BR-Brush Class 47 ‘NORTH STAR’ is on the move, heading northwards to the NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS RAILWAY via the following route (note the break in journey between Thursday evening and Monday morning):

     

    A358 from Bishops Lydeard to Taunton

    A3259 to A38 to the M5 northbound

    M5 to Junction 22 (leave Mway due to weight restrictions on the Avonmouth bridge)

    A38 to A368 to A37 to A4174 through Bristol

    M32 to M4 westbound Junction 20

    M4 to M5 northbound

    M5 to Junction 9 (leave Mway due to route restrictions in the Tewkesbury area)

    A438 to A38 to M50

    M50 to M5 to ALLELYS BASE AT STUDLEY (Near Redditch, Worcs).

     

    RESUME JOURNEY ON MONDAY 17th JANUARY

    A435 to M42

    A42 to M1 to M18

    M62 to A1(M) to Junction 42

    A63 to A19 to A64

    A169 to A170 to Park Street, Pickering

     

    Please send your photos to contact@depg.org if you get to see her en route !

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    Thanks !

     

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  • 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ heads North !

    BR-Brush Class 47 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ pictured while being loaded onto an Allelys heavy transport rig at Bishops Lydeard at first light on Thursday 13th January 2022 and soon to start her journey northward to the NYMR. Photo by Chris Shields © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Our ‘celebrity’ BR-Brush Class 47 ‘NORTH STAR’ is on the move today, heading northwards to the NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS RAILWAY where she will spend the next year or two operating on the NYMR under a hire agreement that was put in place last summer. The move was delayed due to logistical challenges along the route, but everything is now in place and the loco is on the move today. More details including route information will be posted ASAP.

     

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  • Weekly Roundup – 09-Jan-22

    1962-vintage Beyer-Peacock Class 35 ‘Hymeks’ D7017 and D7018 stand together at Williton during a rare break in the rain on Saturday 8th January 2022 while DEPG Chairman Martin Howard (left) and Publicity Officer Mark Bladwell prepare to cut the birthday cake. Photo by Mark Bladwell © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Our two Beyer-Peacock ‘Hymeks’ D7017 and D7018 celebrate their 60th anniversaries this month, with D7017 turning 60 on January 8th and D7018 turning 60 on January 18th. Both locos entered service at Bristol Bath Road depot in January 1962, at a time when the depot was still being built around them. D7017 remained a Bristol loco until 1971 when she was reallocated to Old Oak Common (in West London) and D7018 remained at Bristol until 1966 when she moved to Cardiff Canton depot for a short while then back to Bristol until 1972, after which the dwindling fleet was concentrated at Old Oak.

     

    Both locos were part of a small group of four of the originally 101-strong Class that survived in service until March 1975 when they were withdrawn and were sold for scrap. Luckily, four of these fine locos survive today, two with us at Williton plus D7029 with the Diesel Traction Group at the Severn Valley Railway and D7076 with the Bury Hydraulic Group based on the East Lancashire Railway.

    The 60th birthday cake pictured in the rain at Williton on Saturday 8th January 2022, in celebration of Beyer-Peacock Class 35 ‘Hymeks’ D7017 and D7018, both of which turn 60 this month. Photo (and cake) by Mark Bladwell © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The worksplates on D7017 and D7018 both show their build date as 1961, but it is customary to determine the age of the loco based on it’s first day in revenue-earning service, therefore January 8th, 1962 for D7017 and January 18th, 1962 for D7018.

    Read more about D7018 and her history in our 64-page A4 booklet ‘HYMEK D7018’ available from our online store.

     

    VERY IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – the WSR’s 2022 Diesel Gala will take place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022, so keep these dates free and make a plan to attend ! Click this link to the WSR website to view the dates for other WSR events that are planned for 2022.

     

    LOCO NEWS:

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – This loco has benefitted from 12 man-days of work since the 1st of January, with significant progress being made with the bodyside repairs. Gordon and Ian F have been busy with the needle gunning, and Leroy and Geoff have been removing pipework and inspecting it to determine if repairs are necessary. Meanwhile, Colin F has been replacing corroded sections with new metal as can be seen from these views below:

    D1010 being carefully opened up at ‘B’ end by Colin F at Williton on Monday 3rd January 2022, to allow access to the sub-structure. Photo by Leroy Ford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 showing very good progress with the restoration of ‘B’ end cab side by Colin F at Williton on Tuesday 4th January 2022. Photo by Leroy Ford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – the skin below the handrails at ‘B’ end had blistered out due to corrosion taking place behind the skin. The blistered sections were cut out and replaced with new steel by Colin F at Williton on Tuesday 4th January 2022. Photo by Leroy Ford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – the corner skin was removed from ‘B’ end by Colin F at Williton on Sunday 9th January 2022 to allow replacement of the corroded sections. The repairs are being tackled in small sections to ensure that the authentic shape is retained. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    On completion of the bodywork repairs, the loco will be repainted into the colour scheme that she wore when she first entered service in October 1962, overall maroon with a yellow buffer beam. The loco ran in this livery until March 1963 when the more familiar small yellow warning panel was added and the bufferbeam was changed from yellow to black. D1010 wore this livery again back in 2001, for one season. For more information on liveries, see our booklet ‘D1010 – FROM MEREHEAD TO MINEHEAD‘.

     

    This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Westerns’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is returning D1010 to full operational condition.

     

    Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco worked the ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ services from their start on 19th November right through to the very last day, Friday 31st December, when sister D6575 (33 057) took over to steal the limelight by bringing the last two services of the year into Bishops Lydeard. Here’s a link to a short video clip of the last day of ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ workings, with D6575 (33 057) at the tail end, but in fairness, we need to be grateful to D6566 (33 048) for doing the bulk of the work from November all the way through December !

     

    Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – with 360 litres (80 gallons) of fresh oil running through her engine after maintenance at Williton, this loco worked the ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ services on the very last day, Friday 31st December, allowing sister D6566 (33 048) to head for Williton and a well-earned rest ! D6575 (33 057) is now at Westridge Shed, Bishops Lydeard, in the company of 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ and Class 09 shunter D4107 (09 019).

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) is now the duty locomotive and is outstationed at Westridge Shed, Bishops Lydeard in the company of BR-Brush Class 47 47 077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ and at the other end of the lineup, Class 09 shunter D4107 (09 019). Photo taken on 9th January 2022 by Tom Courtney © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – resting at Williton after celebrating her 60th birthday on 8th January 2022 !

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – resting at Williton as she prepares for her 60th birthday on 18th January 2022 !

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 –  the detailed work of refitting the pipes and conduits to the frames is now in progress and will consume a lot of man-hours before the next ‘high profile’ events which will be the reinstallation of the major subassemblies (transmission, cooler group, brake frame, cab, electrical console and ultimately, the engine). The photos below shows the ‘rolling chassis’ on number 2 road inside the loco shed at Williton:

    D9518’s ‘rolling chassis’ is now positioned on number 2 road inside the DEPG loco shed where Simon and Mike E were pictured working on the re-installation of the many pipes and conduits that are best installed while the major sub-assemblies are out of the way. Photo taken at Williton on Saturday 8th January 2022 by Chris Lawton © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s ‘rolling chassis’ is gradually re-acquiring various ancillary items including this fuel filter and priming pump. All parts have to be overhauled and tested prior to being re-installed on the loco. Pictured at Williton on 9th January 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s ‘rolling chassis’ gets attention from Nick and Colin F at Williton on 21st December 2021, as they work out the assembly sequence for the many pipes and conduits that need to be reinstalled. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s ‘Holset Coupling’ has now been cleaned up and is ready for re-assembly. Pictured at Williton on 18th December 2021 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    All of this progress has been made possible by the efforts of volunteers and the donations of the many ‘Teddy Bear’ supporters who have contributed to the D9518 Restoration AppealThank you all very much !

    This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Teddy Bears’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D9518 to full operational condition as ‘NCB No. 7‘.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is currently based at the Kent & East Sussex Railway and celebrated her 57th birthday on the 6th January 2022. We have received confirmation that the loco will remain at the K&ESR until May 2022, by which time her older sister D9504 should have completed her heavy overhaul and be returned to traffic. We look forward to seeing D9526 back at Williton in time for the WSR’s 2022 Diesel Gala that takes place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022.

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 stands at Tenterden Station on the KESR at the head of the 1420 service to Bodiam on 3rd August 2021. Photo by Colin Girle© CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco remains stuck at Bishops Lydeard, waiting for instructions for her move to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, which is now expected to take place by road later this month. To keep the loco in full working order, an engine run was performed by Ian and Tom on Sunday 9th January so that the engine and other systems could be tested and exercised. Everything went well and the loco remains ready for action.

    BR-Brush Class 47 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ underwent an engine run at Westridge Shed, Bishops Lydeard on Sunday 9th January 2022. The exhaust plume shows that the Sulzer 12-cylinder twin bank engine was cold at the time that the photo was taken, the exhaust becoming clear a short while afterwards. Photo by Tom Courtney © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this loco is now housed within the WSR Restorations ‘Swindon Shed’ where it will receive further attention to its bodywork while under cover. When new in 1972, this loco was based at the Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) in Puriton, near Bridgwater, where it worked with its sister loco number 579 hauling wagons from the explosives factory to a junction with the main Bristol to Exeter line (formerly Huntspill Sidings) for onward transit by mainline rail. The locos had to cope with the steep gradient of the bridge over the then-new M5 motorway, just north of the A39 Bridgwater junction (J23).

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH number 578 (ROF No. 1) or 579 (ROF No. 2) pictured on the bridge over the M5, just north of Bridgwater with a short train of explosives from the Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) at Puriton (which closed in 2008). Photo by Paul Stanford courtesy of the Cornwall Railway Society © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The reason to show this photo now is because the disused and overgrown railway branch line is being cleared and relaid so that it can connect with a new industrial development that is being built on the former ROF site. The work is visible when travelling on the M5. If anyone has any further information about this, please let me know so that we can share it in a future roundup. Thanks to Martin Howard for bringing this to our attention!

     

    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 – we had a book review from Neale Long lined up for this week, but time has run out so we will need to include it in the next roundup. We will be creating web pages for book reviews so that they can be found more easily and be of benefit to more visitors. Many thanks to Neale for his efforts and apologies for not being able to include his article this week.

     

    ON SHED – we have received more photos from the extensive collection of Devon-based photographer Barry Gay, capturing the scene at Newton Abbot in the late 1960s as the lightweight diesel-hydraulics were getting close to the end of their short operating lives, and about to be ousted by the diesel-electric heavyweights of classes 45, 46 and 47. Here’s another of Barry’s photos along with a caption that is based on his own text:

    Newton Abbot, 3rd May 1969 – this image shows the store area behind the traverser. Locos were parked here to await works attention, ocassionally to be condemned. From left to right, North-British Class 43 ‘Warships’ 863 ‘WARRIOR’, 857 ‘UNDAUNTED’, 852 ‘TENACIOUS’ and a glimpse of Swindon-built Class 42 D830 ‘MAJESTIC’. All of particular interest. D857 was sent to Swindon for overhaul in the new single emblem livery as was 852 behind it. This loco was still green with a small yellow warning panel and the Ds painted out, the only one like this I seem to remember. D830, the Paxman engined 2400hp experiment, never worked again and was sent for scrap. Now the interesting story of D863 . . . it was due to go to Swindon for overhaul with 857 and 852 but for some reason ended up being scrapped at Cashmore’s in Newport, South Wales. Crossed wires somewhere!! Photo by Barry Gay © CC BY-NC 3.0

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

     

    DEPG NEWS – we will be contacting our membership later this month to remind members to renew their subscriptions so that we can keep our membership base growing. This is essential so that we can provide long-term security for the DEPG locomotive fleet. Please reply to this email or use our CONTACT FORM to let us have your opinion of how we are doing. Thanks !

     

    DEPG WEBSITE – we have some stock remaining of our seasonal wearables, so click the photos or the links below to find out more !

    DEPG beanie hat, one size, silver embroidery on black – a good quality and warm hat for £12.50 incl VAT plus P&P.

     

    DEPG fleece jacket with collar, unlined, zip pockets, black with silver DEPG logo, £25 incl VAT plus P&P.

     

     

    WSR NEWS: With the hard-won successes of the 2021 season behind us, the WSR now returns to the normal winter activities involving permanent way renewals and upgrades. The first site being tackled is between Minehead and Dunster, where life-expired bullhead rail is being replaced by flat-bottomed rail on steel sleepers – this kind of sleeper being better suited to the marshy conditions in this area. This work takes place in all weathers so spare a thought for the PW team next time you see the rain lashing at your window. They may well be out there working !

    BR Swindon-built (1960) Class 03 D2133 is pictured in the sunshine, heading for Dunster on Wednesday 5th January 2022 with a short train of life-expired rail panels for stripping and recycling. Photo by WSR Infrastructure Engineering © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The WSR have published the dates for the 2022 special events, as follows, so please make a note and ADD THESE DATES TO YOUR DEPG CALENDARS:

     

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  • Happy 57th Birthday to D9526 !

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 stands at Tenterden Town Station on the K&ESR at the head of a rake of historic coaches forming the 1420 service to Bodiam on 3rd August 2021. Photo by Colin Girle © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Our Class 14 number D9526 entered service with British Railways at Bristol Bath Road depot on the 6th of January 1965, so she became 57 years of age yesterday !

     

    Currently on loan to the KENT & EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY, this loco had a very succesful 2021 season and generated a useful contribution to DEPG funds, seeing regular use on the K&ESR while standing in for her slightly older sister D9504 who is undergoing heavy maintenance at present.

     

    D9526 will return to Williton in May this year, in time to participate in the WSR’s 2022 DIESEL GALA.

     

    VERY IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – the WSR’s 2022 Diesel Gala will take place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022, so keep these dates free and make a plan to attend !

     

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  • Rounding up the DEPG year 2021

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) hauled the return leg of the very last ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ service of 2021, pictured after arriving at Bishops Lydeard on 31st December 2021, marking the end of a very succesful festive season for the WSR. Perhaps the diesel loco will also get some festive lights next year. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of our members and supporters ! Let’s hope that it is going to be a good one for all of you and for people all around the world !

    Here’s a quick roundup of the last 12 months to put us in the mood for thinking about the good things that are ahead of us in 2022:

     

    JANUARY 2021 – We vacated the Brunel-era broad gauge Goods Shed at Williton to allow a full structural survey to take place.

    Inside south-facing view of the Old Goods Shed at Williton showing the railway siding on the left and the roadway access on the right of the central platform. The black-coloured column is the cast iron support for the goods crane. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    FEBRUARY 2021 – Our online store went live and our first online sale was recorded !

     

     

    MARCH 2021 – Both Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ were busy working engineering trains in support of track upgrades along the length of the WSR.

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) was captured at Goviers Lane Crossing at Watchet on 22nd March 2021 while in the process of returning three empty ‘DOGFISH’ ballast wagons to the Permanent Way depot at Dunster after the completion of track relaying work at Doniford. Photo by Tom Courtney © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

    APRIL 2021 – We published our booklet in support of fund raising for the restoration of Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’.

     

     

    MAY 2021 – The WSR reopened for public services, the ‘Cromptons’ worked the crew training specials and Class 14 D9526 worked the ‘Watchet Shuttle’.

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 worked the empty stock of the ‘Watchet Shuttle’ public service on 29th May 2021, pictured at Splash Point by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

    JUNE 2021 – Class 47 47077 (D1661 47613 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ emerged from bodywork repairs at Williton and ran to Bishops Lydeard.

    Class 47 47077 (D1661 47613 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ resplendent in the late-1970s livery applied by WSR Restorations was pictured descending Watts Bank on the approach to Bishops Lydeard on 21st June 2021, her first run on the WSR since 2018. Photo by Chris Shields © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

    JULY 2021 – Summer entertainment began with Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 in action on the Dunster ‘Excursion Specials’, while Class 14 D9526 moved to Kent on hire to the K&ESR.

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was in action on the first of the ‘Diesel Excursion Specials’ and was pictured at Barnstaple Junction on 17th July 2021 while running around her train at Norton Fitzwarren. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

    AUGUST 2021 – Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ D6566 (33 048) and D6575 (33 057) ‘top and tailed’ the ‘Excursion Special’ in celebration of their 60th birthdays !

    Class 33 images by Ian Robins and Peter Nicholson, card design by Natalie Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

    SEPTEMBER 2021 – The succesful and highly enjoyable MIXED TRACTION WEEKEND event took place and we hosted the RAILCAM UK team.

    A ‘Type 3’ gathering with Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) on the left (the ‘up’ direction towards Bishops Lydeard) and Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 on the right (the ‘down’ direction towards Minehead) at Blue Anchor on 17th September 2021. Photo by Barrie Childs © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

    OCTOBER 2021 – The SEAWARD WAY LEVEL CROSSING reopened, heralding the return of through services to Minehead for the 2022 season.

    Seaward Way Level Crossing at Minehead was completely rebuilt and upgraded during 2021. Control of the crossing was handed back to the WSR Operations Department on 26 October 2021 and we are looking forward to running through to Minehead again in 2022. Photo by Richard Neal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

    NOVEMBER 2021 – Our annual ‘WORK WEEK’ saw some major steps forward with new and restored valances fitted to D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’, but even this achievement was eclipsed later in the month by the re-wheeling of Class 14 D9518 !

    D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ front end valances were restored or renewed and then refitted to the loco at Williton on 20th November 2021. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

    Class 14 D9518 frames in the air and ready to be lowered onto her wheels at Williton on 27th November 2021, a great achievement and an important milestone for the D9518 RESTORATION PROJECT. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

    DECEMBER 2021 – We promoted the DEPG at the Newton Abbot show, the two ‘Cromptons’ and their crews worked many late nights on the ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ trains and OUR ONLINE STORE ENDED THE YEAR WITH MORE THAN £12,000 IN SALES which generated a massive contribution to our restoration projects !

    Thank you to everyone who supported the DEPG and the WSR in 2021 ! Your help was essential and was much appreciated !


    DEPG volunteer Mike Evans pictured while manning the stand at the Newton Abbot Railway Studies and Modellers Show which took place at the Passmore Edwards Library in the town on Saturday 4th December 2021. The show was a great success and helped spread the word about who we are and what we do. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

    Many thanks to all of our volunteers who are putting so much effort into looking after our fleet of heritage diesel locomotives and protecting their future !

     

    VERY IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – the WSR’s 2022 Diesel Gala will take place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022, so keep these dates free and make a plan to attend ! Click this link to wsr.org.uk to view the dates for other WSR gala events that are planned for 2022.

     

    Many more items of news from 2021 can be found by browsing our website. Sign up for ROUNDUP to have the news delivered to your emailbox on a weekly basis.

    We will be back next weekend with the first roundup of 2022 !

    Meanwhile, be sure to stay safe and stay well.

     

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  • Weekly Roundup – 19-Dec-21

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) hauled the WSR’s Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) from Williton to Minehead on 16th December 2021 with Diesel Traction Inspector John Leach and secondman Tom Courtney covering the duty. The loco is pictured having propelled the DMU into the Bay Siding at Minehead and is ready to return to Williton ‘Light Engine’ via the new Seaward Way level crossing. Photo by Tom Courtney © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    On Thursday 16th December and fresh from servicing at Williton, 60-year-old ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) was put to work to haul the WSR’s 61-year-old BR-Derby Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) from Williton to Minehead. The move was necessary in order to make space at Williton for incoming locomotives that will go into the WSR Restoration facility in the ‘Swindon Shed’ and was the first time that the DMU had travelled over the new Seaward Way Level Crossing. The DMU is not yet ready for service and may need to return to Williton in the Spring, but for the time being she will be reside in the Bay Siding at Minehead. We hope to be able to report in more detail on the status of the DMU in January’s roundup.

    The WSR’s BR-Derby Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) was hauled to Minehead from Williton on 16th December 2021 by Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) and is pictured stabled on the Bay Siding at Minehead. Photo by Paul Weldon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) was used for the preparation run in advance of the ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ workings on 18th December 2021 and paused near Nornvis Bridge so that crew member Paul Fleet could power-up and adjust one of the lineside displays that form part of the spectacular journey from Bishops Lydeard to Crowcombe Heathfield and back during the hours of darkness. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) continues to support the ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ specials which will run on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week and Monday through Friday next week. Some tickets are remaining on services from Tuesday 28th December through to 31st December, so grab your tickets while you canMany thanks to all of the staff and volunteers who are putting so much work into delivering these highly successful services!

     

    VERY IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – the WSR’s 2022 Diesel Gala will take place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022, so keep these dates free and make a plan to attend ! Click this link to wsr.org.uk to view the dates for other WSR gala events that are planned for 2022.

     

    LOCO NEWS:

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – Gordon turned his attention to the ‘face’ of the locomotive and needle-gunned the ‘B’ end cab on Saturday 18th December so that Colin F can start the repair work in early January. Later that day, Mike and Andy set to work to disconnect the electrical conduits that have to be removed from beneath the cab floor, to allow Colin to gain access to the cab structure supports that have corroded where they meet the deck plate. These supports have to be repaired before cutting into the panels that form the outer skin, because, being a ‘stressed-skin’ design, the weight of the cab assembly is shared between the structural framework and the skin. 

    D1010 in the early stages of a ‘B’ end facelift at ‘Williton on Saturday 18th December 2021 after being needle-gunned by Gordon. The metalwork is in good condition and does not require any patching above the deckplate level, which is the point at which most of the corrosion has taken place. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010’s deck plate illuminated at ‘B’ end, viewed looking down from the cab, where the secondman’s seat would normally be. Several of the electrical conduits below the cab floor structure need to be removed to allow access for welding repairs that will ensure that the cab structure is properly supported before the external skin is repaired. This approach will ensure that the cab does not end up with a drooped appearance. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – in the space between the deck plate and the cab floor, there are dozens of pipes and conduits, all criss-crossing at various angles and making it difficult to get tools in position without removing other parts that will then lead to other work. The patient use of good tools gets the job done with the minimum of damage to other parts. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – view showing three of the electrical conduit couplings separated after several hours of work in the confined space between the deck plate and the cab floor, under the secondman’s seat. The cables are in very good condition inside the good quality steel conduits. The white material is talcum powder that was used to prevent the wires sticking together when the wires were originally fed into the conduits during the upgade to dual braking that took place at Swindon Works in 1969. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    On completion of the bodywork repairs, the loco will be repainted into the colour scheme that she wore when she first entered service in October 1962, overall maroon with a yellow buffer beam. The loco ran in this livery until March 1963 when the more familiar small yellow warning panel was added and the bufferbeam was changed from yellow to black. D1010 wore this livery again back in 2001, for one season. For more information on liveries, see our booklet ‘D1010 – FROM MEREHEAD TO MINEHEAD‘.

     

    Our offering of a special LIMITED EDITION of 25 DAPOL OO-gauge models of D1010 in her original livery has been snapped up, generating income after expenses of more than £1000 for the D1010 Restoration Fund. Allocation of the few remaining models will take place tomorrow after giving priority to DEPG members. Many thanks to all who have participated in the purchase of these models for the benefit of D1010, and to all those who have expressed an interest we thank you and ask you to keep in touch with us, because we will have other models to offer in future.

    This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Westerns’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is returning D1010 to full operational condition.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco received a battery charge on Saturday 18th December in advance of an engine run that allowed her auxillary systems to be exercised and tested. The tests showed that they batteries are not in the best of condition, so this may be their last winter before having to be replaced. After charging, the engine started easily and ran well, and the run was captured on a short video clip that provides that special ‘Maybach Music’ that graced the air for an hour or so at Williton. Click on the photo below and enjoy !

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco also received a battery charge on Saturday 18th December followed by an engine run, the first time she has been run since her last outing on the WSR in October. Periodic running keeps the engine, transmission and auxillary systems in good condition and allows us to catch any signs of deterioration before they become issues that may affect reliability. The batteries on this loco are showing signs of low charge capacity and may need to be replaced next year.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 –  the rolling chassis is now stabled on number 2 road inside our loco shed at Williton, along with all of the major subassemblies. Having everything close together offers easier access to tasks and our volunteers are now challenged with a huge number of parts that have to be identified, restored and then fitted to the frames in the right order !

    D9518’s ‘rolling chassis’ is now positioned on number 2 road in the DEPG loco shed where Colin G can be seen at work in the space between the frames on Saturday 18th December. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s ‘rolling chassis’ gets the brush-off from Simon at Williton on Saturday 18th December 2021. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s shunters’ steps received another coat of paint from restoration team member Colin G at Williton on Saturday 18th December 2021. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s frames carry identification marks that can be traced to the original manufacturers of the steel, in this case the Lilleshall Company of Oakengates near Coalbrookdale in Shropshire, who have proudly embossed the 1964-vintage rolled angle section as being ‘BRITISH STEEL’. The nationalised company ‘The British Steel Corporation’ was not formed until 1967, so Lilleshall were ahead of the game. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Work proceeds on the many other components and sub-assemblies of D9518 including the large and heavy ‘Holset Coupling’ that fits between the engine and the transmission. This coupling is used to isolate the transmission from the vibrations that are a characteristic of V6 engines and consists of two heavy steel discs with interlocking ‘fingers’ that are separated by close-fitting hard rubber cylinders. The rubber provides flexibility without introducing free play or ‘backlash’. The whole assembly is very tightly fitted together so that it can transmit the torque from the engine without wearing out. Here are some photos of the coupling after it was disassembled by Colin F at Williton last week:

    D9518’s ‘Holset Coupling’ now separated into the two main steel parts, exposing the internal structure and whole lot of surface rust. The coupling is actually in very good condition from a mechanical viewpoint and can be cleaned up and reassembled without incurring any significant expenditure. Pictured at Williton on 18th December 2021 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s ‘Holset Coupling’ rubber cylinders are actually built up from four separate rubber parts that are stacked on top of one another to create the ‘cylinders’ that fit between each pair of spokes. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    All of this progress has been made possible by the efforts of volunteers and the donations of the many ‘Teddy Bear’ supporters who have contributed to the D9518 Restoration AppealThank you all very much !

     

    This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Teddy Bears’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D9518 to full operational condition as ‘NCB No. 7‘.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is based at the Kent & East Sussex Railway and we have received confirmation that the loco will remain at the K&ESR until May 2022, by which time her older sister D9504 should have completed her heavy overhaul and be returned to traffic. We look forward to seeing D9526 back at Williton in time for the WSR’s 2022 Diesel Gala that takes place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022.

     

    Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco remains stuck at Bishops Lydeard waiting for instructions for her move to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, which is now expected to take place in Mid January 2022.

     

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this loco was on the move last Saturday and is now housed within the WSR Restorations ‘Swindon Shed’ where it will receive further attention to its bodywork while under cover.

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH number 578 (ROF 1) has now moved to the WSR Restorations ‘Swindon Shed’ in the North Yard at Williton. Pictured on Saturday 18th December 2021 by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    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 – this week we have to share some sad news because of the sudden death of well-known author ADRIAN CURTIS, a former football journalist who had a special interest in the Class 52 D1000 series ‘Westerns’ and went on to become an acknowledged expert in the field. His best known work was ‘CAST OF THOUSANDS‘ which ran to 331 pages and has become a sought-after reference work for the Class. Adrian was working on a series of books with a separate volume covering each locomotive in the 74-strong class and was only part-way through the series when he passed away at the age of 63. Our condolences go out to his family. The image below includes a link to his website where the many titles that he published (and had planned to publish) are listed.

     

     

    Looking to the near future, our DEPG 2022 CALENDAR stock is now down to LOW SINGLE FIGURES, so ACT NOW to get your copy WHILE STOCKS EXIST.

    Here’s a summary of the 12 high-resolution photos that have been so kindly donated by our members and supporters this year and are now presented in this 12-page A3-size glossy heavyweight calendar:

    There is an animated video on our website that steps through the calendar month-by-month, so CLICK HERE to view the animation.

    We have been able to keep the price the same as last year, so the calendar will again cost the princely sum of £1 per month, so don’t miss out on your chance to buy. Click here to order your copy while stocks last.

     

    ON SHED – our participation in the RAILWAY STUDIES AND MODELLERS SHOW at Newton Abbot library has made us aware of the extensive collection of railway photographs and documents that comprise their Railway Studies Collection and are available online. One of our regular photographic contributors, Barry Gay, has shared a number of his own photographs of Newton Abbot depot that we will be featuring under this heading for the next few weeks, so here’s another one from Barry’s excellent collection: 

    In this view of Newton Abbot loco sheds, taken on 31st March 1972, a battered and beat-up Swindon-built Class 42 ‘Warship’ 825 ‘INTREPID’ stands in the running shed in the foreground, having been reinstated from withdrawn status for the 1972 summer season due to a loco shortage, while sisters 816 ‘ECLIPSE’ and 827 ‘KELLY’ (only just visible) stand condemned outside the old steam shed, along with a single car DMU. All three ‘Warships’ had served for only 11 years and all three had ceased to exist by October of that same year. Photo by Barry Gay © CC BY-NC 3.0

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

     

    DEPG NEWS – the synopsis of the DEPG Board Meeting that was held on Saturday 27th November has been delayed but is now available and will be shared with members (for whom we hold email addresses) in a separate email. The latest edition of the DEPG Newsletter has been mailed, so if you are a member and you have not received your newsletter, please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know. The same form can be used to advise us if you want to go fully paperless. Thanks !

     

    DEPG WEBSITE – we have added three new products to our webstore, all of which have a seasonal bias, so click the photos or the links below to find out more !

    DEPG beanie hat, one size, silver embroidery on black – a good quality and warm hat for £12.50 incl VAT plus P&P.

     

    *** LOW STOCK – LAST CHANCE TO ORDER *** DEPG Christmas Card, A5 size, £1.50 each or get a pack of 5 for the price of 4. All proceeds to the D1010 Restoration Fund.

     

    WSR NEWS: The ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ and ‘SANTA EXPRESS’ services continue to earn valuable winter income for the WSR with almost all seats fully booked this side of Christmas. Tickets are available for WINTERLIGHTS services that run between Christmas and New Year so there’s no need to miss out.

     

    A visit to Williton station last Saturday was rewarded by a warm welcome from the station staff who are on duty whenever a ‘SANTA EXPRESS’ service is at the platform (11:00 and again at 13:30). The location offers a fine view of the steam locomotive running around its train and is well worth a visit if you are in the area from Tuesday to Friday this week.

    The WSR’s BR (WR) 4-6-0 number 7828 ‘ODNEY MANOR’ was in action on a ‘SANTA EXPRESS’ working at Williton on 18th December 2021. Photo by Andy Royal (c) CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Elsewhere on the line, the Permanent Way depot at Dunster was being shunted on the 13th December, offering the rare opportunity to witness the Minehead-based shunting locos in action outside of their normal operating area. There’s always something going on somewhere !

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH number 579 (ROF 2) was in use on shunting duties at Dunster West on 13th December 2021, as a reminder that the high-profile (and highly visible) Christmas services are not the only things that are happening on the railway. The permanent way team are always busy, particularly so when there are no public services running. Photo by Rich Hiscox © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    That brings us to the end of another edition of roundup, the last for 2021, so have a great Christmas and be sure to stay safe and stay well.

     

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  • Weekly Roundup – 12-Dec-21

    The Southern Region pairing of Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) and ‘Parcels and Miscellaneous Van’ PMV number 1464 is caught on camera at Williton while on a test run on 11th November 2021. Autocapture image by Railcam UK and the WSR  © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) and PMV 1464 lead the return ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ special through Crowcombe Heathfield towards Bishops Lydeard on 27th November 2021. Image by Railcam UK and the WSR, captured by Gareth Noble  © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) continues to provide a sterling service on the ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ specials which have been running on Fridays and Saturdays since 19th November and will step up to almost daily from this coming Friday 17th December. The ‘Crompton’ has been working at the rear of the steam-hauled outbound service, coupled next to the ex-Southern Region ‘Parcels & Miscellaneous Van’ that houses the generators that power the thousands of lights that are carried by the six illuminated Mark 1 carriages. The Class 33 and the PMV were both previously based on the Southern Region of BR and although the pairing would have been a very familiar sight to travellers in that region in the 1960s, the carriage lighting of those days would have been just a dim orange glow !

    Feedback from ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ travellers has been very positive indeed, so much so that the only seats remaining are on services from 28th December through to 31st December, so grab your tickets while you can. Many thanks to all of the staff and volunteers who are putting so much work into delivering these highly successful services!

     

    VERY IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – the WSR’s 2022 Diesel Gala will take place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022, so keep these dates free and make a plan to attend ! Click this link to wsr.org.uk to view the dates for other WSR gala events that are planned for 2022.

     

    LOCO NEWS:

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – Leroy and Ian F continued with the needle-gunning and rubbing down of D1010’s bodyside in preparation for corrosion repairs and a primer and undercoat repaint which will take place during the coming months. The large expanses of bodyside are a challenge, but so are the smaller features such as grilles and apertures, where power tools are of little use and progress is not so swift. The new LED lighting units make such a difference when working in the loco shed these days !

    D1010 was showing a lot of bare skin on ‘A’ side at Williton on 11th December 2021 as Ian F tackled the detailed work involved with one of the air intake grilles. There are several of these hinged grilles, all of which need attention to their hinges and security latches, in addition to stripping and painting. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    On completion of the bodywork repairs, the loco will be repainted into the colour scheme that she wore when she first entered service in October 1962, overall maroon with a yellow buffer beam. The loco ran in this livery until March 1963 when the more familiar small yellow warning panel was added and the bufferbeam was changed from yellow to black. D1010 wore this livery again back in 2001, for one season. For more information on liveries, see our booklet ‘D1010 – FROM MEREHEAD TO MINEHEAD‘.

     

    As announced last week, we are now offering a special LIMITED EDITION of 25 DAPOL OO-gauge models of D1010 in her original livery, with all proceeds from the sale of these models going to the D1010 Restoration Fund. Priority will be given to DEPG members until Friday 17th December, after which any remaining models will be offered to the general public. Expressions of interest can be emailed by using the CONTACT FORM.

     

    Meanwhile, Gordon set to work on preparing the converter rail from the failed ‘B’ transmission for shipment to a professional engineering facility for disassembly. The converter rail comprises a common shaft upon which the three torque converter turbine wheels are mounted, so it is the ‘heart’ of the transmission and requires specialist equipment to disassemble the various stages. All of the other components, such as the turbine impellers, guides, housings, bearings and seals are mounted around the common shaft using press fits and taper fits, so the disassembly cannot be performed using simple tools – hence the need to send the complete assembly to an outside facility for the work to be carried out.

    D1010’s transmission converter rail viewed after removal from the outer casing at Williton on 4th October 2019. The first converter stage (low speed) is within the housing on the left. The second stage (medium speed) is within the bulge on the right, and the third stage (high speed) is in the centre. The double-helical gear and the splines at the far right of the shaft are part of the reversing mechanism. Photo by Gordon Crook © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010’s transmission converter rail has been mounted on a pallet at Williton and secured for transportation. This assembly requires the use of specialist equipment when separating the many components that are mounted coaxially around the centre shaft, so it will be sent out to a suitably-equipped facility for the disassembly work to be done. Pictured on 11th December 2021 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010’s transmission casing will remain at Williton and undergo cleaning and inspection prior to a repaint. The output shaft that couples to the bogie can be seen at the bottom of the casing and the two ‘black holes’ above the shaft are the locations of the reversing gears. Pictured on 11th December 2021 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The converter rail will be sent to a specialist facility in January or February for the disassembly work to take place, after which the collection of parts will be returned to Williton for cleaning and detailed inspection to establish the root cause of the failure and ensure that the repair can be effected safely and reliably. It may take some time to obtain the necessary spare parts, depending on the findings, but we have to take this forward with one step at a time. More photos of the transmission can be found on Page 47 of our booklet ‘D1010 – FROM MEREHEAD TO MINEHEAD‘. 

     

    This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Westerns’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D1010 to full operational condition.

     

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) – this loco is the duty loco at Bishops Lydeard and has been operating regularly in support of the ‘Winterlights‘ trains that started on Friday 19th November 2021 in ‘top and tail’ mode, with steam haulage on the outward journey and diesel haulage on the return leg.

     

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) – this loco received attention at Williton during the weekend in the form of an engine oil change involving the removal and replacement of 360 litres of oil (80 gallons) plus the changing of four oil filters, so it is not a quick job and it carries a hefty price tag, both for the new oil and the cost of disposing of the old oil. However, because of the policy of regular oil sampling and condition monitoring, it will be several years before it needs to be changed again.

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) had the benefit of an engine oil change at Williton on Saturday 11th December 2021 where ‘Team Crompton’ (L-R: Ian, Tom and Bob) removed and replaced 360 litres (80 gallons) of engine oil and four oil filters. The barrel of new oil in the photo holds 205 litres, so the loco required almost two barrels ! Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – no change this week.

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – no change this week.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 –  the rolling chassis took to the rails on Saturday 11th December under the control of Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 (ROF 1) for the short distance move from the WSR Restorations ‘Swindon Shed’ in the North Yard at Williton to the DEPG loco shed in the South Yard. This move now places our two main restoration projects side by side in our loco shed, where they can be worked on during the coldest winter months.

    D9518’s newly re-created ‘rolling chassis’ was hauled out of the ‘Swindon Shed’ into the North Yard at Williton on 11th December 2021 by Barclay 0-4-0DH number 578 (ROF 1) for the short distance move to the DEPG loco shed in the South Yard. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s ‘rolling chassis’ was captured on the Williton Railcam by volunteer Chris Lawton as it entered the South Yard on Saturday 11th December 2021, being propelled by Barclay 0-4-0DH number 578 (ROF 1). Image by Railcam UK and the WSR © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s ‘rolling chassis’ enters the South Yard at Williton on 11th December 2021 wearing NCB colours, propelled by Barclay 0-4-0DH number 578 (ROF 1) and under the watchful eye of restoration team member Colin G. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s ‘rolling chassis’ now occupies number 2 road inside the DEPG loco shed at Williton, where restoration work will proceed alongside that of another Swindon-built diesel-hydraulic, Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’. Pictured on 11th December 2021 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    In addition to the high-profile completion and relocation of the ‘rolling chassis’, work proceeds on the many other components and sub-assemblies of D9518 including the large and heavy ‘Holset Coupling’ that fits between the engine and the transmission. This coupling is used to isolate the transmission from the vibrations that are a characteristic of V6 engines and consists of two heavy steel discs with interlocking ‘fingers’ that are separated by close-fitting hard rubber cylinders. The rubber provides flexibility without introducing free play or ‘backlash’. The whole assembly is very tightly fitted together so that it can transmit the torque from the engine without wearing out.

    D9518’s ‘Holset Coupling’ with the end cover removed, exposing the internal structure and whole lot of rust ! Pictured at Williton on 11th December 2021 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s ‘Holset Coupling’ was separated from the drive end flange by Colin F at Williton on 11th December 2021. The ‘drive’ and ‘driven’ parts now need to be separated so that the surfaces can be cleaned and inspected, and new rubber cylinders obtained if necessary. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    All of this progress has been made possible by the efforts of volunteers and the donations of the many ‘Teddy Bear’ supporters who have contributed to the D9518 Restoration AppealThank you all very much !

     

    This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Teddy Bears’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D9518 to full operational condition as ‘NCB No. 7‘.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is based at the Kent & East Sussex Railway and we have received confirmation that the loco will remain at the K&ESR until May 2022, by which time her older sister D9504 should have completed her heavy overhaul and be returned to traffic. We look forward to seeing D9526 back at Williton in time for the WSR’s 2022 Diesel Gala that takes place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022.

     

    Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco remains stuck at Bishops Lydeard waiting for instructions for her move to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, which is now expected to take place in Mid January 2022.

     

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this loco was in use again on Saturday 11th December even though she was still in a patchwork of different primer coats and undercoats and not looking her best. Her space in the loco shed has been taken by D9518 so this small but powerful machine is now destined to stand outside throughout the winter. As we do not expect to be doing any more shunting for the next few months, the loco has been covered over with a tarpaulin and work will re-commence on her bodywork in the spring.

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH number 578 (ROF 1) has been covered over with a tarpaulin and will reside outdoors at Williton for the winter. Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) can be seen alongside on number 1 road. Pictured on Saturday 11th December 2021 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    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 – we feature a pre-owned book by well-known author Bernard Mills that has been donated by a member in support of the D1010 RESTORATION FUND and which has an extremely long title : DEVON AND CORNWALL – THE CLASS 47 YEARS – CLASS 47 – A WEST COUNTRY SYMPOSIUM’. This paperback book runs to 144 pages and is absolutely packed with photos of ’47s’ in all kinds of liveries, mostly on passenger duties but with some photos on freight in the far southwest of the UK including the former LSWR line to Salisbury and Waterloo. Also pictured with the ’47s’ are the occasional ‘Western’ and ‘Warship’ and the detailed captions and additional information make it quite an engrossing read. Well worth the £12.50 that we are asking for it, all of which will go toward the D1010 RESTORATION FUND. Click on the image below for a link to our online store.

     

    On the subject of publications, our DEPG 2022 CALENDAR stock level is now down to SINGLE FIGURES, so ACT NOW to get your copy WHILE YOU CAN !

    Here’s a summary of the 12 high-resolution photos that have been so kindly donated by our members and supporters this year and are now presented in this 12-page A3-size glossy heavyweight calendar:

    There is an animated video on our website that steps through the calendar month-by-month, so CLICK HERE to view the animation.

    We have been able to keep the price the same as last year, so the calendar will again cost the princely sum of £1 per month, so we think that is a bargain that is not to be missed. Click here to order your copy while stocks last.

     

    ON SHED – our participation in the RAILWAY STUDIES AND MODELLERS SHOW at Newton Abbot library has made us aware of the extensive collection of railway photographs and documents that comprise their Railway Studies Collection and are available online. One of our regular photographic contributors, Barry Gay, has shared a number of his own photographs of Newton Abbot depot that we will be featuring under this heading for the next few weeks, so here’s another one from Barry’s excellent collection: 

    In this view of Newton Abbot loco sheds, taken on the evening of 5th July 1971, the North-British diesel-hydraulics hold sway, with Class 22 6323 on the left (out of use, having been withdrawn from service on 22nd May) and sister 6337 in the centre, alongside Class 43 ‘Warship’ 861 ‘VIGILANT’, both still in service, having just been fuelled. However, both locomotives were out of sevice just three months later and all three were broken up at Swindon in 1972. Photo by Barry Gay © CC BY-NC 3.0

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

     

    DEPG NEWS – the synopsis of the DEPG Board Meeting that was held on Saturday 27th November will be shared with members (for whom we hold email addresses) later this week. The latest edition of the DEPG Newsletter is being mailed and should be dropping through your letterboxes later this week. For members who have opted for fully paperless membership, the pdf version will be sent to you by email. If you are a member and you have not received your newsletter, please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know. The same form can be used if you want to go fully paperless. Thanks !

     

    DEPG WEBSITE – we have added three new products to our webstore, all of which have a seasonal bias, so click the photos or the links below to find out more !

    DEPG beanie hat, one size, silver embroidery on black – a good quality and warm hat for £12.50 incl VAT plus P&P.

     

    BR (WR) 4-6-0 7828 ‘ODNEY MANOR’ is framed by the A39 road bridge as it approaches Williton Station with a ‘SANTA EXPRESS’ working on Sunday 12th December 2021. Photo by Martin Ball © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

  • Weekly Roundup – 05-Dec-21

    DEPG volunteer Mike Evans pictured while manning the stand at the Newton Abbot Railway Studies and Modellers Show which took place at the Passmore Edwards Library in the town on Saturday 4th December 2021. The show was a great success and helped spread the word about who we are and what we do. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The DEPG sales team attended an event that was held at the Library in Newton Abbot, now known as the Passmore Edwards Centre after the philanthropist who sponsored the building when new in 1904, which became an attraction for people across the southwest on Saturday 4th December when the Newton Abbot Railway Studies and Modellers Show was held for the first time. The event was very well patronised and our DEPG stand on the ground floor was busy from the start through to the finish, raising the awareness of the DEPG and raising funds from the sale of DEPG-branded merchandise.

    The very impressive Passmore Edwards Centre in Newton Abbot opened in 1904 and was extensively renovated in 2012. It now provides a a multi-purpose facility which is based around its continuing role as a library. Photo by Smalljim via Wikipedia © CC BY-SA 3.0

     

    The show was supported by Mike Evans, a regular volunteer at Williton who exchanged his normal Saturday work on D9518 to get to the show early and set up using stock delivered by sales team regular Chris Shields, who was exhibiting upstairs at the show with his local model railway society. The day started well and booklets, mugs and calendars were being snapped up, but then Mark Townsend joined the team behind the stand and immediately raised the bar by making the first sale of our new D1010 Limited Edition OO-gauge models made by Dapol and featuring ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ in her original livery of all-over maroon with yellow bufferbeams, which was appropriate as the models were arranged at his initiative.

    The ‘DCC-ready’ models of D1010 in her first livery are being supplied in commemorative sleeves and each of the 25 models includes a Certificate of Authenticity. Preference is being given to DEPG members, so JOIN NOW to increase your chances of getting one of these limited edition models.

     

    On completion of the bodywork repairs that are currently taking place, our loco will be repainted into the colour scheme that she wore when she first entered service in October 1962, overall maroon with a yellow buffer beam. The loco ran in this livery until March 1963 when the more familiar small yellow warning panel was added and the bufferbeam was changed from yellow to black. D1010 last wore her original livery in 2001 – for more information on liveries, see our booklet ‘D1010 – FROM MEREHEAD TO MINEHEAD‘.

     

    Meanwhile, back at Williton, DEPG member and WSR Diesel Traction Inspector John Leach held another session of his Secondman Training Course with a classroom lecture in the morning and a practical shunting exercise in the afternoon, by which time the lucky participants were able to enjoy a downpour combined with hail and sleet, just to keep things real !

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) shows red and white marker lights and headcode blinds to indicate shunting duties while providing practical training for trainee Secondmen at Williton on 4th December 2021. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 (ROF 1) was also involved in the shunting training for trainee Secondmen at Williton on 4th December 2021, pictured here with the DEPG Brake Van B952527 during a (rare) bright and sunny moment. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    MANY THANKS TO ALL OF OUR VOLUNTEERS FOR WORKING HARD TO PROMOTE THE DEPG AND PROVIDE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES ! Well done all !

     

    VERY IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – the WSR’s 2022 Diesel Gala will take place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022, so keep these dates free and make a plan to attend ! Click this link to wsr.org.uk to view the dates for other WSR gala events that are planned for 2022.

     

    LOCO NEWS:

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – Leroy continued with the needle-gunning of D1010’s bodyside in preparation for corrosion repairs and a primer and undercoat repaint which will take place during the coming months. The most important task right now is to resolve all of the areas of corrosion before the full repaint, so that the loco is properly protected for the long term.

    D1010 undergoing needle gunning from a highly visible Leroy at Williton on 4th December 2021. The needle gun is very noisy but very effective, which it needs to be when the subject of attention is 21m long (68 ft) and has two sides, a roof and two ends that need this treatment. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Last week, we featured a photo that showed evidence of a repair that took place in BR days, basically a long scrape, for most of the length of the loco plus a diagonal gash below one radiator grille. After a few emails from our regular readers, we quickly established that a photo of D1010 showing this damage is featured on Page 3 of our booklet ‘D1010 – FROM MEREHEAD TO MINEHEAD‘.

     

    D1010 (by then just 1010) ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ was pictured at Plymouth Station on Saturday 18th March 1972 and shows clear evidence of a bodyside scrape plus other damage below the radiator grille at the far end. The damage matches up with what was found under the layer of filler at Williton on 27th November 2021. Photo by Roger Geach © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Roger’s photo from March 1972 shows a gouge that starts at the nearest end, which also has damage to the corner of the cab front, and runs along the body, culminating in a diagonal scrape just below the radiator grille at the far end, matching up exactly with what was found under the layer of filler at Williton on 27th November 2021. We have still not established when, where and how the damage took place. if you know, please let us know so that we can update the D1010 timeline and share the information with our members and supporters. Thanks !

     

    The loco went into Swindon Works on 15th June 1972 and stayed there for more than five months while undergoing repairs that included correction of buffers that had been pushed back. She was eventually released to traffic on 1st December 1972. Just months later, other members of the Class that suffered far less damage in minor shunting collisions were not so lucky – they were condemned as being beyond economic repair, were immediately stripped of usable parts and sent to scrap, so our loco had a very narrow escape !

     

    On completion of the bodywork repairs, the loco will be repainted into the colour scheme that she wore when she first entered service in October 1962, overall maroon with a yellow buffer beam. The loco ran in this livery until March 1963 when the more familiar small yellow warning panel was added and the bufferbeam was changed from yellow to black. D1010 wore this livery again back in 2001, for one season. For more information on liveries, see our booklet ‘D1010 – FROM MEREHEAD TO MINEHEAD‘.

     

    As announced last week, we are now offering a special LIMITED EDITION of 25 DAPOL OO-gauge models of D1010 in her original livery, with all proceeds from the sale of these models going to the D1010 Restoration Fund. Priority will be given to DEPG members until Friday 17th December, after which any remaining models will be offered to the general public. Expressions of interest can be emailed to contact@depg.org or via our CONTACT FORM

     

    This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Westerns’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D1010 to full operational condition.

     

     

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) – this loco is the duty loco at Bishops Lydeard and has been operating regularly in support of the ‘Winterlights‘ trains that started on Friday 19th November 2021 in ‘top and tail’ mode, with steam haulage on the outward journey and diesel haulage on the return leg.

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) arrives at Bishops Lydeard with the return leg of a ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ service on 4th December 2021. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) – this loco was in use for shunting training at Williton this weekend (as described earlier).

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) at Williton during a shunting training session with a ‘SANTA EXPRESS’ service standing at the ‘up’ platform while the steam locomotive runs around via the ‘down’ platform. Pictured on 4th December 2021 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – no change this week.

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – no change this week.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 –  a major milestone was reached on this loco last Saturday 27th November 2021 when the frames were lowered onto the wheelsets to create the rolling chassis and make D9518 mobile once again. The team is now engaged in re-fitting all of the small parts to the frames and working on the parts that make up the braking system. The plan is to get the rolling chassis moved into the DEPG loco shed before the Christmas break, so work proceeds apace !

    D9518’s newly re-created ‘rolling chassis’ undergoing the assembly of the many small parts that will allow the braking system to be re-installed. Pictured in the ‘Swindon Shed’ at Williton on 30th November 2021. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s brake slack adjuster components pictured after cleaning and repair at Williton on 30th November 2021. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    One of D9518’s brake slack adjusters being re-assembled by Colin F at Williton on 30th November 2021. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

    All of this progress has been made possible by the efforts of volunteers and the donations of the many ‘Teddy Bear’ supporters who have contributed to the D9518 Restoration AppealThank you all very much !

    This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Teddy Bears’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D9518 to full operational condition as ‘NCB No. 7‘.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is based at the Kent & East Sussex Railway for the rest of this year and is receiving regular use on Permanent Way trains, which is good for the loco and good for the DEPG. The loco is going to remain at the K&ESR until older sister D9504 completes her heavy overhaul and is returned to traffic, so it could be some time yet. We look forward to seeing D9526 back at Williton in time for the WSR’s 2022 Diesel Gala that takes place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022.

     

    Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco remains stuck at Bishops Lydeard waiting for instructions for her move to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

     

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco was in use on Saturday 4th December to prepare the yard for the shunting training that was performed using Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057). The task involved the loco having to go outdoors and get wet, so it is a good thing that Graham and Paul T were able to add their efforts last weekend to those of Roy and Colin F by getting a coat of paint on her upper surfaces before she went outdooors.  We need more help on this loco so please come along and join the effort to complete this work (no prior experience is required, just regular DIY skills will be sufficient).

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH number 578 (ROF 1) was in action preparing the yard for the shunting training that took place at Williton on Saturday 4th December 2021. Her paintwork remains a ‘work in progress’. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

    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 – we  feature a book review from regular contributor Neale Long in relation to the recent 128-page book by Andrew Vines entitled ‘DIESEL HYDRAULICS – a colour retrospective’ and published by Wild Swan. If you are interested in this book, you can get a copy from the Western Locomotive Association for £23.95 by clicking this link.

    Here’s Neale’s opinion about this book:

    “The latest edition to the very long list of publications relating to diesel-hydraulic Locomotives is this sumptuous 128-page volume in full colour (except for the last photograph) compiled by Andrew Vines. In terms of overall quality in respect of content and reproduction, this publication is a truly wonderful evocation of mainline diesel hydraulic operation and must rank as one of the best publications on the subject produced in recent times.

    The book commences with a neat and tidy introduction by the author, who lists several well known diesel-hydraulic historians/enthusiasts who assisted him with various details. The names of Mark Alden, Steve Harrod, Martin Street, Neil Phillips, Hugh Dady and Robert Carroll need no introduction and indicate the skill and care undertaken in the production of the book. All these inputs add greatly to the very high quality of this superb tome. Then what follows is a quite dazzling selection of mainly unpublished photographs, organised into twelve chapters and epilogue :

      1.  Main Lines West
      2.  People
      3.  Wessex 
      4.  Milk and Parcels
      5.  To the Midlands and beyond
      6.  Workshops Depots and Stabling Points
      7.  South Devon
      8.  Freight
      9.  Southern Routes
      10.  Stations Large and Small
      11.  Beginnings and Endings in the Duchy 
      12.  Fifty years on
      13.  Epilogue (monochrome study of D827 & D832 on the blocks at Paddington)

    There are really so many beautiful and rare images not previously published, but in order to try and give a flavour, I will pick out a handful in order to whet the appetite for this gorgeous book. Few will be aware of a long-closed freight branch near Truro called Newham, but this volume depicts D1054 ‘WESTERN GOVERNOR’ deputising for the more normal Class 22 in what is without doubt a rare image.

    People will be aware of ‘Hymek’ workings in West Wales, but images of milk traffic on the truncated Carmarthen-Aberystwyth line are distinctly rare, so the image of D7100 at Pencader Junction is particularly welcome. The image of ‘Hymek’ D7043 at Ilfracombe will I’m sure be similarly appreciated by diesel-hydraulic enthusiasts, as will the image of D9525 shunting the Square Grip Reinforcement sidings at Keynsham. Pictures of D600 ‘Warships’ are always of interest, and this volume contains a lovely portrait of D600 in blue livery, shunting passenger stock at Penzance. Photographic reproduction is excellent and each image is accompanied by clear, concise and accurate captions.

    Commendably, the author included a handful of images depicting the various preserved locomotives which keep the diesel-hydraulic story alive. Quite rightly, Andrew Vines pays tribute to all those groups involved, which is very thoughtful. From the Group’s perspective, D7017 is depicted at Roebuck Farm in 2009 and D7018 is featured at White Waltham on a Radyr-Acton coal train, the author acknowledging the huge effort required to return her to traffic following her major failure in 1995, again a very thoughtful caption.

    Overall, this really is a superb book of the highest quality. The relative paucity of material of locomotives at work in South Wales and Gloucester area is the one very, very tiny drawback to this brilliant piece of work by Andrew Vines, but despite this minor quibble, I can unhesitatingly recommend this wonderful book to all those interested in the subject.”

    Many thanks to Neale for providing us with this report. Click this link to buy your copy from the WLA website.

     

    On the subject of publications, our DEPG 2022 CALENDAR have been selling well, so ACT NOW to get your copy WHILE STOCKS LAST !

    Here’s a summary of the 12 high-resolution photos that have been so kindly donated by our members and supporters this year and are now presented in this 12-page A3-size glossy heavyweight calendar:

    There is an animated video on our website that steps through the calendar month-by-month, so CLICK HERE to view the animation.

    We have been able to keep the price the same as last year, so the calendar will again cost the princely sum of £1 per month, so we think that is a bargain that is not to be missed. Click here to order your copy while stocks last.

     

    ON SHED – our participation in the RAILWAY STUDIES AND MODELLERS SHOW at Newton Abbot library has made us aware of the extensive collection of railway photographs and documents that comprise their Railway Studies Collection and are available online. One of our regular photographic contributors, Barry Gay, has shared a number of his own photographs of Newton Abbot depot that we will feature under this heading for the next few weeks, starting with this one:

    This view of Newton Abbot loco sheds shows that BR had an abundance of locos in 1971. There were two Class 42 ‘Warships (807 ‘Caradoc’ and 869 ‘Zest’) plus D1048 ‘WESTERN LADY’ plus Class 22 6334, one ‘Class 45/46 ‘Peak’ and no less than SIX BR-Brush Class 47s on shed on 11th July 1971. Photo by Barry Gay © CC BY-NC 3.0

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

     

    DEPG NEWS – the DEPG participated in a meeting of the Partnership Development Group last week, the minutes of which will be available soon. The synopsis of the DEPG Board Meeting that was held on Saturday 27th November is being prepared and will be shared with members ASAP.

     

    DEPG WEBSITE – we have added three new products to our webstore, all of which have a seasonal bias, so click the photos or the links below to find out more !

    DEPG Christmas Card, A5 size, £1.50 each or get a pack of 5 for the price of 4. All proceeds to the D1010 Restoration Fund.

     

    WSR NEWS: The ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ and ‘SANTA EXPRESS’ services continue to earn valuable winter income for the WSR with almost all seats fully booked this side of Christmas, so this is excellent news for which we congratulate all involved, both staff and volunteers, for delivering two winners!

    Tickets are available for WINTERLIGHTS services that run between Christmas and New Year so there’s no need to miss out.

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) at the rear of the ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ special as it passes the ‘North Pole’ (aka Crowcombe Heathfield station) on Saturday 4th December 2021, in the presence of a reindeer and some penguins who are no doubt on vacation from their usual homes in or close to the southern hemisphere, as many of them seem to be at this time of year. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

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  • Weekly Roundup – 28-Nov-21

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) is supporting the ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ services and qualified DEPG secondman Tom Courtney was also on duty on the cold and wintry evening of Friday 26th November 2021, pictured while the loco waited between turns at Bishops Lydeard by DEPG Chairman and loco driver Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The WSR’s ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ services are evidently a big success and those that have already taken the journey have been delighted with the brightly coloured illuminations combined with the lineside displays that appear at nine locations along the route between Bishops Lydeard and Crowcombe Heathfield. The train, which is steam-hauled to Crowcombe Heathfield and diesel-hauled on the return leg, slows to walking pace as it passes the lineside features, so that passengers can take a good look and enjoy the sights.

    The train crews need to observe special rules for operating these trains during their one-hour out-and-back running time, balancing the need to allow passengers to get the benefit of the displays with the need to maintain punctuality while running at night. The crew of the diesel locomotive are also responsible for travelling ‘light engine’ along the route before and after the public services, to activate and deactivate the remotely-sited lineside displays, so MANY THANKS TO ALL OF THE VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF WHO ARE WORKING LATE TO MAKE THESE EVENTS POSSIBLE ! Well done all !

     

    VERY IMPORTANT NEWS THIS WEEK is that the WSR have announced the dates for their 2022 gala events, with the 2022 Diesel Gala taking place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022, so keep these dates free and make a plan to attend ! Click this link to wsr.org.uk to view the dates for other gala events that are planned for 2022.

     

    LOCO NEWS:

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – more progress was made on the bodywork of D1010 this weekend, with Gordon and Ian F working on opposite sides of the loco, removing many layers of paint and uncovering areas that need repair before repainting can begin. The photo below shows a gash and a scrape on the bodyside near the ‘B’ end that dates back to BR days and was repaired at Swindon in 1972. Maybe a reader could throw some light on this and provide us with information as to what caused the damage, where and when ?

    D1010 – the very thorough work by Ian F with the needle gun has revealed a diagonal gash near the ‘B’ end and a longitudinal scrape that dates back to BR days. The repairs are sound but unsightly, so they will be dressed and filled before the loco is repainted. Pictured at Williton on 27th November 2021 by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Meanwhile, with ear defenders in place, Colin F and Paul C were hard at work with the trial fitment of the valances at the ‘A’ end of the locomotive, dealing with some complications that resulted from damage that occurred at Merehead Quarry back in the late 1970s, when the loco was pushed into the buffer stops by a loaded stone train that was being shunted into the same siding. The loco was repaired at Merehead before she made the journey to Didcot in 1986, and has stood the test of time except for the non-standard valances that were fabricated at Merehead and have recently been replaced by brand new items made by Colin F using the original authentic valances from ‘B’ end as a pattern.

    D1010 – brand new but authentic valances have been made by Colin F and trial fitted on the driver’s side of ‘A’ end, and after some adjustment, they line up very nicely. Pictured at Williton on 27th November 2021 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – to complete the set, the new valances have been trial fitted on the secondman’s side of ‘A’ end, and have also been adjusted to line up very nicely, although this corner of the loco did present a lot more of a challenge. Pictured at Williton on 27th November 2021 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    With his work on the valances now complete, Colin will now turn his attention to the cab structure and will start repairing the corrosion damage that has resulted from many years of water ingress since D1010 last received a major overhaul at Swindon Works in August 1969, during which she changed from maroon to blue livery.

    On completion of the bodywork repairs, the loco will be repainted into the colour scheme that she wore when she first entered service in October 1962, overall maroon with a yellow buffer beam. The loco ran in this livery until March 1963 when the more familiar small yellow warning panel was added and the bufferbeam was changed from yellow to black. D1010 last wore this livery in 2001 – for more information on liveries, see our booklet ‘D1010 – FROM MEREHEAD TO MINEHEAD‘.

     

    This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Westerns’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D1010 to full operational condition.

     

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) – this loco is the duty loco at Bishops Lydeard and has been operating regularly in support of the ‘Winterlights‘ trains that started on Friday 19th November 2021 in ‘top and tail’ mode, with steam haulage on the outward journey and diesel haulage on the return leg.

     

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) – this loco is at Williton undergoing planned maintenance tasks that will include an engine oil change and a thorough inspection to ensure that she remains in good shape and is soon able to resume her support duties on the WSR.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – no change this week.

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – no change this week.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 –  a major milestone was reached on this loco on Saturday 27th November 2021 when the frames were lowered onto the wheelsets to create the rolling chassis and make D9518 mobile once again !

    The work was performed on the lifting pad situated in the open area on the west side of the Swindon Shed at Williton, the cold and wintry conditions having to be endured by the team as they raised the frames using the four portable 25-tonne jacks that were acquired from Bristol Bath Road depot many years ago. The series of photographs below show the progress from frames and wheels to a rolling chassis, a major step forward for the restoration project, so WELL DONE TO ALL INVOLVED AND TO ALL WHO DONATED TO THE RESTORATION FUND. Thank you very much !

    D9518’s newly painted frames in the blue and black colour scheme of the National Coal Board (NCB), being moved towards the concrete lifting pad outside the Swindon Shed at Williton on 27th November 2021. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s newly painted wheelsets lined up and ready as the frames await the fourth lifting jack so that the lift can take place. Pictured outside the Swindon Shed at Williton on 27th November 2021 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s frames await the arrival of the fourth portable lifting jack, which has just come into view, being carried by the Williton Fork Lift Truck driven by Liam Pope at Williton on Saturday 27th November 2021. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s frames are in the air and her wheels are in position, ready for the frames to be lowered. The lifting jack control desk is visible in this picture, taken in challenging lighting conditions and freezing cold winds at Williton on 27th November 2021 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s frames are lowered onto the wheelsets at Williton on 27th November 2021, the low sun casting very long shadows and causing considerable trouble for the photographer, Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518 is back on her wheels, the ‘rolling chassis’ being the result of a fantasic team effort in freezing cold conditions at Williton on 27th November 2021. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    All of this progress has been made possible by the efforts of volunteers and the donations of the many ‘Teddy Bear’ supporters who have contributed to the D9518 Restoration AppealThank you all very much !

    This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Teddy Bears’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D9518 to full operational condition as ‘NCB No. 7‘.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is based at the Kent & East Sussex Railway for the rest of this year and is receiving regular use on Permanent Way trains, which is good for the loco and good for the DEPG. The loco is going to remain at the K&ESR until older sister D9504 completes her heavy overhaul and is returned to traffic, so it could be some time yet. We look forward to seeing D9526 back at Williton in time for the WSR’s 2022 Diesel Gala that takes place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022.

    Here’s a great picture of D9526 that has featured on our 2021 calendar throughout the month of November. For all of you who missed out on the 2021 calendar, here’s a sample of what you could have been enjoying. Make sure that you get your 2022 calendar while stocks last !

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 pauses at Crowcombe Heathfield while en route to Bishops Lydeard on 7th October 2018. This delightful photo was featured in the DEPG 2021 calendar for the month of November. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco remains stuck at Bishops Lydeard waiting for instructions for her move to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

     

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco received a lot of attention this weekend as she was subjected to the attention of both Paul T and Graham, armed with needle guns and power sanders, with the objective of getting her external surfaces cleaned of old paint and debris and getting a coat of primer on to her before she gets evicted from the loco shed so that D9518’s rolling chassis can enter. We need more help on this loco so please come along and join the effort to complete this work (no prior experience is required, just regular DIY skills will be sufficient).

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH number 578 (ROF 1) received further attention to her paintwork from Paul T and Graham at Williton on Saturday 27th November 2021, but there is plenty more to do so please come along and help ! Photo by Mike Evans © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    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 – we do have a book review that has been kindly provided by Neale Long for the recent 128-page book by Andrew Vines entitled ‘DIESEL HYDRAULICS – a colour retrospective’ and published by Wild Swan, but we don’t have space for it today so we will defer this to next week. Meanwhile, if you can’t wait for that, go ahead and grab a copy from the Western Locomotive Association by clicking this link.

    And speaking of new publications, if you haven’t obtained your copy already, experts are predicting that our DEPG 2022 CALENDAR is GOING TO BE IN SHORT SUPPLY so ACT NOW to get your copy WHILE STOCKS LAST !

    Here’s a summary of the 12 high-resolution photos that have been so kindly donated by our members and supporters this year and are now presented in this 12-page A3-size glossy heavyweight calendar:

    There is an animated video on our website that steps through the calendar month-by-month, so CLICK HERE to view the animation.

    We have been able to keep the price the same as last year, so the calendar will again cost the princely sum of £1 per month, so we think that is a bargain that is not to be missed. Click here to order your copy while stocks last.

     

    ON SHED – On Saturday 4th December, the DEPG will participate in the RAILWAY STUDIES AND MODELLERS SHOW that takes place at Newton Abbot library, during which their extensive collection of railway photographs and documents will be showcased. The show is aimed at widening the awareness of their Railway Studies Collection and we are pleased to confirm that the DEPG will be in attendance !

    Over the next few weeks, we are going to feature some very interesting photographs of Newton Abbot from the diesel-hydraulic period, but first let’s return to the photo that we shared last week, for which we have now received a lot more information from the photographer, Prof. Will Powrie.

    Class 52 1023 ‘WESTERN FUSILIER’ stands at the stabling point at Newton Abbot on 8th August 1976 with engines that were probably long overdue for attention, with BR-Brush Class 47 47122 behind and to the left and Class 52 1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ visible to the right. Photo by Will Powrie © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Will has provided us with the background to his photograph, as follows:

    “Regarding the photo of D1023 on Newton Abbot shed on Sunday 8th August 1976, the Class 52 in shot behind / to the right of ‘WESTERN FUSILIER’ is none other than D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER‘. We had arrived into Newton Abbot behind D1001 ‘WESTERN PATHFINDER’ on 1B05, the 08.45 Paddington-Plymouth; and after about an hour’s wait at Newton Abbot returned as far as Reading with D1054 ‘WESTERN GOVERNOR’ on 1A45, the 13.40 Plymouth-Paddington.

    On that Sunday (5 August), D1010 worked 1B93, the 09.00 Bristol Temple Meads-Paignton and 1B99, the 19.30 Paignton-Bristol Temple Meads (22.15). This train was a Sunday special organised by the Bristol division of the Western Region – it was not in the all-line public timetable. It seems that D1010 ran light diesel from Paignton to Newton Abbot, and must have spent much of the middle part of the day there before heading back to Paignton to pick up the return working to Bristol.

    The next day (Monday 9 August), D1010 took over 1A25 (the 1800 [Sunday] Penzance-Paddington overnight), from Bristol Temple Meads (00.51) to Paddington. It then worked 1M10 0645 Paddington-Birmingham New Street and 1V28 10.25 Birmingham New Street-Paddington (the only Class 52 to work a Paddington-Birmingham train that week), and the 1A82 18.03 Paddington-Oxford before then spending most of the rest of the week on freight or newspaper trains.

    On the Friday (August 13th), however, D1010 worked a ‘Troopex’ heading north from the west of England – this has been reported as starting at either Plymouth or Okehampton, destination either Crewe or Bolton, with D1010 working to Bristol, Birmingham or Crewe! D1010 was noted passing Taunton at 19.52 that evening heading southwest with the empty stock, by an observer who was told that D1010 had brought the train all the way from Crewe. This seems unlikely, but maybe one of your readers can shed some light on it?

    D1023 went light diesel from Newton Abbot to Paignton later that afternoon (Sunday 8 August) to work 1A85 17.10 Paignton-Paddington. Monday 9 August saw D1023 on the 1A97 07.49 Radley-Paddington then 1B65 13.30 Paddington-Penzance; and on Tuesday 10 August it worked 1A19, the 10.55 Penzance-Paddington Cornish Riviera Limited to Plymouth, before going forward on 1A35 13.45 Plymouth-Paddington. From Paddington, D1023 made its way to Acton via Old Oak Common, where it took over the overnight 6V65 Sittingbourne-Burngullow Clayliner empties. After working 1A45 12.20 Penzance-Paddington as far as Plymouth on Wednesday 11 August, D1023 spent most of the rest of the week on Clayliner duties between St Blazey and Bescot.”

    Many thanks to Will for this detailed account of the workings of these two celebrity locomotives !

    Put the date of Saturday 4th December 2021 in your diary if you are within travelling distance of Newton Abbot, and come along to the show and also explore the resources of the Railway Studies Collection.

     

    DEPG NEWS – the delayed synopsis of the October Board Meeting was emailed to those members for whom we hold email addresses. Please let me know if you are a member but didn’t received your copy of the synopsis. The Board held the November meeting last Saturday 27th and a synopsis will be prepared and shared with members ASAP.

     

    DEPG WEBSITE – we have added three new products to our webstore, all of which have a seasonal bias, so click the photos or the links below to find out more !

    DEPG beanie hat, one size, silver embroidery on black – a good quality and warm hat for £12.50 incl VAT plus P&P.

     

    DEPG fleece jacket with collar, unlined, zip pockets, black with silver DEPG logo, £25 incl VAT plus P&P.

     

    DEPG Christmas Card, A5 size, £1.50 each or get a pack of 5 for the price of 4. All proceeds to the D1010 Restoration Fund.

     

    WSR NEWS: The announcement of the 2020 gala dates is great news and allows the railway press to spread the word and allows supporters to make plans to attend, all of which will result in higher attendances and the enjoyable feel of a well-supported event. Meanwhile, the ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ services continue to earn valuable winter income, with BR(WR) 4-6-0 7828 ‘ODNEY MANOR leading the train and Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) at the rear on the climb from Bishops Lydeard to Crowcombe Heathfield, where the train reverses. Tickets are available for services that run between Christmas and New Year.

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) stands at the rear of the ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ special just beyond Crowcombe Heathfield station and is preparing to haul the train on the return leg to Bishops Lydeard. Pictured on Saturday 27th November 2021 by Adam Snow © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

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