Beyer-Peacock ‘Hymek’ D7018 is the booked locomotive for this Saturday’s diesel-hauled excursion from Bishops Lydeard to Dunster and back plus an extension to Norton Fitzwarren on the return journey. This gives a total running distance of 42 miles, departing from Bishops Lydeard at 11:35 and returning from Norton Fitwarren at 15:25.
Advance bookings on this service are looking strong so BOOK NOW to ensure that you get a chance to ride and enjoy the ‘Maybach Music’ !
Space will be allocated for walk-up passengers on the day, but BOOK NOW to make sure that you don’t get left behind.
The remaining diesel running days for 2021 will be as follows (both are Saturdays):
21 August (Crompton pair, top and tail, celebrating their 60th birthdays!)
25 September (‘Hymek’ D7018, with extension to Norton Fitzwarren)
Please try to support these diesel running days as a way of showing your support for running diesels on the WSR. Thanks !
IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE,we have been advised that our diesels will be in use for the MIXED TRAFFIC WEEKEND on 17-18 September, the timetable for which has not yet been released but promises to be diesel-action-packed on both days. This event will feature an extension to Norton Fitzwarren to provide both additional mileage and additional interest from this little-used section of the line. We will send out a DIESELGEN bulletin as soon as we have firm details. Meanwhile, mark the date in you diary and buy a ticket using the link below !
If you are unable to attend, the webcams provide a very good way of watching the action from afar. Here are the links:
Saturday 31st saw another successful day out on the WSR with Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 hauling an excursion service between Bishops Lydeard and Dunster. Although passenger loading was lighter than the previous week, the service still made a positive contribution to both the WSR and DEPG funds, so a big THANK YOU to all who bought a ticket and rode the train.
Extension to Norton Fitzwarren was not possible on the 31st July because a steam loco had arrived from Southall in preparation for a mainline run from Taunton on the following day. The visiting loco had to occupy the Norton Fitzwarren section to turn around and take on coal, so that whole section of line was unavailable to us. However, on Saturday 7th August, we are going to be extending through to Norton Fitzwarren and tickets have been selling well, so BUY YOUR TICKET NOW !
Here’s some photos from the day and there are more on our Twitter and Facebook pages (these are links to public pages so you don’t need a Twitter of Facebook account to view them):
Some questions have been raised by our followers and travellers, so this would be a good time to answer those questions:
Q: Why do we have to disembark at Dunster? It would be great to have some haulage behind Class 03 D2133, even if it is only for a short distance.
A: The rule book does not allow passengers to be on board when shunting a train. We will raise the possibility of future Class 03 haulage with the WSR and the Gala Planning Team for possible inclusion in a 2022 event. Thanks for your suggestion !
Q: Why did the service on 31st July end after returning from Dunster when it could have included an additional run to Williton and back ?
A: The timetable has been studied several times to try and find paths for a service extension, but the timings ended up with lengthy waiting periods and a late return to Bishops Lydeard, which would not suit passengers who had onward bus and train connections. We will run to Norton Fitzwarren when we can, and we will be doing so on the 7th August and the 25th September (and probably on 17/18 September as well).
If you have a question, please email me or fill in the contact form on our website. Thanks !
Please help us and help the WSR make these diesel-hauled services a success by buying a ticket to ride !
OTHER LOCO NEWS:
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – after clocking up 50 hours of use during her first few weeks at the KENT & EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY, we have been advised that this loco is booked as traction for public services on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of August, so we hope to be able to share some photos of this running soon. Well done D9526 !
Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – our ‘celebrity’ remains at Bishops Lydeard because of delays in obtaining permission for her oversize road haulage move from Bishops Lydeard to Pickering on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Last week, we prepared the loco for a possible rail move, but we have now been advised that the loco will probably be moving by road. We do not have the date or route information yet, but when we do, it will be shared via a DIESELGEN bulletin.
Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – many thanks to all who have contributed to the appeal for funds to support the £100,000 restoration of D1010 – we are very appreciative of your support. We have had a great start, but we have a long way to go, so please keep the funds rolling in !
In parallel with the work on the bodysides, our volunteers have started assessing the amount of work required to repair the loco cabs as this is the area that has suffered the worst of the corrosion. The route indicator boxes and sandbox filler trims were removed last week and the side access panels have been removed this weekend, allowing a closer inspection to take place.
We intend to raise £100,000 for the whole restoration project so please help us by using one of the below links to make a donation:
After selecting a donation link, you will be able to use the quantity buttons to select the precise value that you are able to donate. Please remember to add the GiftAid option if you are eligible because this will give us a 20% boost via a contribution from HM Government. Thank you very much for supporting the D1010 Restoration Appeal !
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 consider joining so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D1010 to full operational condition.
While on the subject of ‘Westerns’, take a look at these pictures of a new product release by MASTERPIECE MODELS. These highly detailed ‘O’ gauge models were brought to our attention by Bob Meanley, whom we would normally associate with his preservation work on Tyseley’s ‘Halls’ and ‘Castles’ …. could it be that he has a soft spot for ‘Westerns’ ?
Fantastic models, well done to Masterpiece Models and thanks to Bob for bringing them to our attention.
Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is stabled at Williton and is fully operational and available for standby duty. DATE FOR YOUR DIARY – our two ‘Cromptons’ will be working an ‘excursion’ special on Saturday 21st August in top-and-tail mode to celebrate their 60th birthdays !
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is waiting for its turn to go into the Swindon Shed for bogie disconnection and lifting to replace the weak leaf spring. The opportunity was taken to start her up on 31st July 2021 and give her some ‘exercise’ in the confines of the South Yard at Williton. The passengers on the ‘Hymek’-hauled ‘excursion’ had the additional treat of two helpings of ‘Maybach Music’ as the locos passed at Williton.
We intend to raise £10,000 for the whole restoration project so please help us by using one of the below links to make a donation:
After selecting a donation link, you will be able to use the quantity buttons to select the precise value that you are able to donate. Please remember to add the GiftAid option if you are eligible because this will give us a 20% boost via a contribution from HM Government. Thank you very much for supporting the D9518 Restoration Appeal !
Here’s some photos of last week’s progress on this loco:
If you love the ‘Teddy Bears’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please consider joining so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D9518 to operational condition – and see her haul passenger coaches for the first time in her life!
Andrew Barclay 578 (ROF 1) – this loco is undergoing bodywork repairs prior to priming and painting. The livery chosen for this loco will be the Government-standard (in 1972) deep bronze green that the loco carried during her days in service at the Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) in Puriton, near Bridgwater, Somerset.
Many thanks to all of our volunteers who are hard at work cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !
BOOK REVIEW – we deviate from the usual style of book review to say CONGRATULATIONSto well-known railway author BERNARD MILLS on the occasion of his retirement from railway service at Newton Abbot station after more than 56 years ! What a fantastic achievement !
Bernard was unable to attend his retirement party because of having to isolate at home in advance of carpal tunnel surgery, but his cake was delivered to him and it appears to be quite appropriately decorated !
We have several of Bernard’s titles waiting to be added to our PRE-OWNED BOOKS category on our online store. All such books have been donated by members and supporters and ALL PROCEEDS from the sale of pre-owned books goes directly to the D1010 restoration fund. Please reply to this email or use our contact form if you have books that you would like to donate. We welcome your donations!
ON SHED: picking up on photos of Didcot Railway Centre that we featured a few weeks ago, we have now received several photos from readers who captured our ‘Hymek’ D7018 on film while she was undergoing restoration at Didcot in the 1980s. Here are the pictures:
Many thanks to Alistair and Neil for sharing their photos with us all. We welcome all contributions of photos or stories and we will try to include them when we can.
DEPG NEWS: Following the success of the first two runs of ‘Hymek’ D7018, we can now focus on selling tickets for the third run, which takes place this coming Saturday 7th August.
A reminder of the running days follows (all are Saturdays):
07 August – ‘Hymek’ D7018, with an extension to Norton Fitzwarren
21 August – Crompton pair, top and tail, celebrating their 60th birthdays!
25 September – ‘Hymek’ D7018, with an extension to Norton Fitzwarren
The ticketing links for these services are as below (these are links to the WSR website):
IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE, we have been advised that our diesels will be in use for the MIXED TRACTION WEEKEND on 17-18 September, the timetable for which has not yet been released. This new running opportunity will feature an extension to Norton Fitzwarren to provide both additional mileage and additional interest from this little-used section of the line. We will send out a DIESELGEN bulletin as soon as we have timetable details. Mark the date in you diary !
OTHER DEPG NEWS: August is approaching and all members need to have their memberships up to date in order to be eligible to vote at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM). Please renew your membership online by clicking this link.
As a REMINDER – the date for the next AGM is set for the afternoon of Saturday 4th September. Formal notices will be sent to all registered paid-up members during the coming week.
DEPG WEBSITE: Our ONLINE SHOP IS NOW LIVE so go ahead and visit our store!
WSR NEWS: The WSR are now operating public services to Minehead via a connecting bus service between Dunster and Minehead, so please support these services by buying tickets to ride!
Don’t forget to read about the WSR appeal by clicking this link – this appeal also needs our support because we need a thriving railway to run on !
All members of the WSR family have to do what we can to help and one easy way is to make a donation via the WSR website. Another way is to ensure that all of the timetabled services are a commercial success, so please buy a ticket if you can.
Following the success of our first diesel-hauled service last Saturday, this last weekend presented a great opportunity to perform some maintenance tasks on ‘Hymek’ D7018 to make sure that she is ready for her next outing which takes place this coming weekend, on Saturday 31st July.
The 31st July run will take place between Bishops Lydeard and Dunster where passengers will disembark for 30 minutes or so while the train performs the ‘shunt release’ with the assistance of the WSR’s Minehead-based Class 03 D2133. This procedure allows the train loco to be repositioned to the Bishops Lydeard end so that the train can be hauled back to complete the 36-mile round trip.
Extension to Norton Fitzwarren will not be possible on the 31st July because there will be a steam-hauled mainline excursion arriving on the WSR that day and the steam loco has to occupy the Norton Fitzwarren section to turn around and take on coal, so the ticket prices are a little lower to reflect the reduced mileage.
Here’s some information about the ‘shunt release’ operation that is being conducted at Dunster to allow the loco engine to run around the train in the absence of a passing loop:
The WSR’s Minehead-based Class 03 D2133 waits on the southeast leg of the Dunster West siding crossover. When the loco detaches from the train and enters the siding towards the northwest, the ’03’ shunter will head out by running forward then back to couple up to the train to haul it forward towards Minehead. The train loco will then exit the siding and couple up to the other end of the train and run southeastward to position the train in the platform at Dunster, ready for the return journey. The ’03’ will then return to the siding to wait for the next train.
Here’s some photos from DEPG drivers Robin Fisher and Martin Howard who covered this working last weekend:
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – on Saturday 17th July, volunteer Class 14 loco manager Simon, along with Colin G and Terry went to visit their ‘baby’ to see how she had settled into her new surroundings while on hire to the KENT & EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY. Ironically, the loco did not run on the day that they attended, but she did run on the very next day, when she was called into action to cover for the BR(WR) 0-6-0PT steam loco number 1638 that was rostered but had developed a fault. We have since learned that D9526 has already put in 50 hours of work at the K&ESR and is now undergoing an ‘A’ check to prepare her for regular running on the August timetable. Well done D9526 !
Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – our ‘celebrity’ remains at Bishops Lydeard because of delays in obtaining permission for her oversize road haulage move from Bishops Lydeard to Pickering on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Last week, the loco successfully underwent Ultrasonic Axle Testing (UAT) in preparation for a possible rail move, but we have now been advised that it is likely that the loco will be moving move by road later this week. We do not have the date or route information yet, but when we do, it will be shared via a DIESELGEN bulletin.
Here’s some photos of the UAT process that took place under cover at Westridge Steam Shed, Bishops Lydeard, on Wednesday last week:
The loco was started up yesterday afternoon and checked over to ensure that everything was OK for her journey northwards, regardless of the mode of transport. Let’s hope that she does move this week so that we can start to report on her appearances at the NYMR – we already have a local correspondent lined up to feed us news and photos!
Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – many thanks to all who have contributed to the appeal for funds to support the £100,000 restoration of D1010 – we are very appreciative of your support, which will allow quick progress on the bodyside repairs, which comprise the bulk of the first phase of the restoration work. We have had a great start but we have a long way to go, so please keep the funds rolling in !
Work continues on the removal of the ‘Prestolith’ filler on the bodyside of the loco – which means plenty of hot and dusty work. The underlying metalwork will then be inspected and any corroded metal will be treated or replaced. This work is being progressed on a section-by-section basis so that we can repaint the loco in sections and prevent further deterioration. It will also help us keep the loco shed tidy !
We intend to raise £100,000 for the whole restoration project, which if put into context, is probably only £10 contribution from each person who has enjoyed watching this locomotive over her years in preservation. Our objectives are achievable with a little help from all ‘Western’ fans, wherever you are and whichever group you belong to. We are fully inclusive !
Our Treasurer has confirmed that funds donated to D1010 are ‘ring-fenced’ and are not used for any other purpose. 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 consider joining so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D1010 to full operational condition.
Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco worked the ‘shunt release’ duties last week and has now returned to Williton for an ‘A’ exam after clocking up 50 hours of use, after which she will return to operational standby duty.
Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – no change – this loco is outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations.
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – no change this week – this loco is waiting for its turn to go into the Swindon Shed for bogie disconnection and lifting.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work continues as we push towards getting the loco back together as a rolling chassis. We are very happy to report that donations to our D9518 restoration fund have had a great start and that we are now able to fund the re-installation of the springs, hornguides and wheels. This specialised riveting and alignment work will be performed by WSR Restorations at the Swindon Shed, Williton.
Our Treasurer has confirmed that funds donated to D9518 are ‘ring-fenced’ and are not used for any other purpose. Here’s a link to the D9518 donations ‘product page’ where, by using combinations of products and quantities, a donation of any value that you want can be created easily. Many thanks for supporting D9518 !
Here’s some photos of last week’s progress on this loco:
If you love the ‘Teddy Bears’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please consider joining so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D9518 to operational condition – and see her haul passenger coaches for the first time in her life!
Andrew Barclay 578 (ROF 1) – this loco is undergoing bodywork repairs prior to priming and painting. The livery chosen for this loco will be the Government-standard (in 1972) deep bronze green that the loco carried during her days in service at the Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) in Puriton, near Bridgwater, Somerset.
Many thanks to all of our volunteers who are hard at work cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !
BOOK REVIEW – we have reorganised our books into two categories on our online store, introducing a separate category for PRE-OWNED BOOKS. All such books have been donated by members and supporters and ALL PROCEEDS from the sale of pre-owned books goes directly to the D1010 restoration fund.
The first group of books from the huge pile that were donated last week by Geoff Miles is being posted on our website during the coming days. These books form part of a vast and popular series known as ‘The Power of’ series, published by Oxford Publishing in the late seventies/early eighties. Here’s a glimpse of what is coming – keep an eye on the PRE-OWNED BOOKS section of our webstore to grab that one that you want:
Remember, ALL PROCEEDS from the sale of these books goes directly to the D1010 restoration fund.
Many thanks to Geoff and to everyone who has donated books to help D1010. Please reply to this email or use our contact form if you have books that you would like to donate. We welcome your donations!
ON SHED: Staying with Jon Tooke’s collection of photographs, this week we feature a 2016 view of our Class 47 ‘NORTH STAR’ in her earlier guise as D1661, passing Westridge Steam Shed, Bishops Lydeard, on a training run for GWR. On shed at Westridge is Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) and Class 09 D4107 (09 019) and further inside the shed, there appears to be a steam loco, probably the 4F or one of the 7Fs that were based on the WSR at that time.
A visit to this same location today would show the same two DEPG locos – but carrying fresh coats of paint! Many thanks to Jon Tooke for sharing this photo with us all.
DEPG NEWS: Following the success of the first run of ‘Hymek’ D7018 we can now focus on selling tickets for the next run, which takes place this coming Saturday 31st July.
A reminder of the running days follows (all are Saturdays):
31 July – ‘Hymek’ D7018
07 August – ‘Hymek’ D7018, with an extension to Norton Fitzwarren
21 August – Crompton pair, top and tail, celebrating their 60th birthdays!
25 September – ‘Hymek’ D7018, with an extension to Norton Fitzwarren
The ticketing links for these services are as below (these are links to the WSR website):
IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE, we have been advised that our diesels will be in use for the MIXED TRACTION WEEKEND on 17-18 September, the timetable for which has not yet been released. This new running opportunity will feature an extension to Norton Fitzwarren to provide both additional mileage and additional interest from this little-used section of the line. We will send out a DIESELGEN bulletin as soon as we have firm details. Mark the date in you diary !
OTHER DEPG NEWS: August is approaching and all members need to have their memberships up to date in order to be eligible to vote at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM). Please renew your membership online by clicking this link.
As a REMINDER – the date for the next AGM is set for the afternoon of Saturday 4th September. Formal notices will be sent to all registered paid-up members during August.
DEPG WEBSITE: Our ONLINE SHOP IS NOW LIVE so go ahead and visit our store!
Our website now carries details of the appeal for the RESTORATION OF D1010 and we are working on the additional pages need for the appeal for D9518, with special donation ‘products’ already added to support fundraising. The shop has been reorganised to introduce product categories and now includes a new category for PRE-OWNED BOOKS, the proceeds from which go directly to the fund for D1010. More pages and products will be added to the website as soon as time allows.
WSR NEWS: The WSR are now operating public services to Minehead via a connecting bus service between Dunster and Minehead, so please support these services by buying tickets to ride!
Don’t forget to read about the WSR appeal by clicking this link – this appeal also needs our support because we need a thriving railway to run on !
All members of the WSR family have to do what we can to help and one easy way is to make a donation via the WSR website. Another way is to ensure that all of the timetabled services are a commercial success, so please buy a ticket if you can.
Our first diesel-hauled service of 2021 got off to a great start on Saturday 17th July with ‘Hymek’ D7018 both looking and sounding great for the 36-mile roundtrip between Bishops Lydeard and Dunster, with the bonus of a 6-mile extension to Norton Fitzwarren and back on the return leg.
The hot weather did not deter our diesel fans, with an almost-sold-out service that beat our expectations, considering that tickets only went on sale on the previous Tuesday. MANY THANKS to all who supported this event – here’s the story and a selection of photographs from the day:
D7018 came ‘off shed’ at 0950 and left Williton for Bishops Lydeard at 0956. On arrival, she picked up her coaching stock (we were only able to get three coaches because the rest were either in use on the two steam-hauled rosters or were undergoing maintenance and inspection at Minehead) and boarded her passengers. Departure was on time at 1135 wth driver Neil McCannon and secondman Martin Howard ‘up front’ and Lee Robbins as train Guard. Also on board ‘just-in-case’ was Maybach specialist Bob Clegg, while DEPG marketing team member Chris Shields also joined the train, armed with a selection of DEPG merchandise !
Many thanks to Railcam UK and the WSR for providing these webcam services.
From Bishops Lydeard, the train ran non-stop to Watchet, then Blue Anchor, where the train stopped for a while to wait for the first train of the day, hauled by BR(WR) 4-6-0 7822 ‘FOXCOTE MANOR’, to return from the Dunster section. This was a great chance for passengers to take photos of BR Western Region steam and diesel together, both in their early 1960s liveries.
The train then went forward to Dunster, where all of the passengers disembarked so that D7018 could take the empty stock towards Minehead, stopping short of Dunster West sidings, where the loco was uncoupled and ran forward into the siding.
Class 33 D6566 (33 048) was ready and waiting to come out of the siding to couple up to the stock and haul it further toward Minehead. Then, D7018 came out of the siding and coupled up to the rear of the stock to form the return train from Dunster, the ‘Crompton’ uncoupling to return to the siding after the train cleared the points. The ‘shunt release’ duty had been planned for the WSR’s Class 03 D2133, but the 204hp loco had developed a fault, so the ‘Crompton’ had to step in to support this movement.
The return leg was extended through to Norton Fitzwarren where D7018 ran around the East Chord to reposition at the head of the train for the 3-mile climb back to BL, where the ‘excursion’ came to an end. Although it was extremely hot, everyone had a great time and several vowed to do it all again at the very next opportunity – which will be on 31st July, although we can’t extend to Norton Fitzwarren on that day because of other activities that were already booked for that section of the line.
When restrictions are relaxed and the passenger capacity increased, we hope that more visitors will come along and make the most of our running opportunities this year, to show the strength of support for diesel runnng on the WSR and ensure that we get more running opportunities next year, by which time we will also be returning to our full 80-mile diagrams (and some 86-mile turns as well).
Thanks to all involved in the planning and delivery of this highly succesful and enjoyable event !
OTHER LOCO NEWS:
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – also on Saturday 17th July, volunteer Class 14 loco manager Simon, along with Colin G and Terry went to visit their ‘baby’ to see how she had settled into her new surroundings while on hire to the KENT & EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY. The loco was in action on Sunday 18th July while covering for the BR(WR) 0-6-0PT steam loco number 1638 that was rostered but had developed a fault, so we hope to include photos in the next roundup.
Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – our ‘celebrity’ is still marooned at Bishops Lydeard because of delays in obtaining permission for her oversize road haulage move from Bishops Lydeard to Pickering on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. To overcome this delay, the NYMR are investigating the possibilities of a rail move, which would see our loco being towed from the WSR to the NYMR by another locomotive, possibly one of her sisters or a close relative. Prior to such a move, our loco would need to undergo ultrasonic axle testing and several other inspections (as well as removal of our banners). We will send out a DIESELGEN bulletin as soon as we know the date, time, mode and route for the move.
Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – many thanks to all who have contributed to the appeal for funds to support the £100,000 restoration of D1010 – we are very appreciative of your support, which will allow quick progress on the bodyside repairs, which comprise the bulk of the first phase of the restoration work. We have had a great start but we have a long way to go, so please keep the funds rolling in !
In preparation for the cab end repairs, we are removing ancillary components and fittings to allow a full inspection to take place, so that the scope of the repair work can be established. It will be necessary to cut into the good metal to fully assess the work, so be prepared for the loco to look a lot worse before she looks better.
We intend to raise £100,000 for the whole restoration project, which is only £10 contribution from each person who has enjoyed watching this locomotive over her years in preservation. Our objectives are achievable with a little help from all ‘Western’ fans, wherever you are and whichever group you belong to. We are fully inclusive !
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 consider joining so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D1010 to full operational condition.
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – no change this week – this loco is waiting for its turn to go into the Swindon Shed for bogie disconnection and lifting.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – the photos that we shared last week showed the extent of corrosion on the battery boxes and the amount of new metal required for the repair. A significant step forward was taken last Tuesday when volunteer Colin F arrived at Williton Yard in his vintage Commer Karrier Bantam 3t truck, pictured below alongside ‘Hymek’ D7018, to deliver a quantity of steel plate that he was donating for use on the repairs. MANY THANKS to Colin for not only donating the plate but for also doing the repair work !
Colin built this authentic vintage dropside tipper vehicle from two rusting hulks that he acquired from a scrapyard near Exeter in 1989. Both donor vehicles had been owned from new by Exeter City Council and had been worked hard, but all of the original parts were restorable including the Perkins 4203 diesel engines, and he also has a large collection of spare parts.
This actual vehicle featured in Series 1, 2 and 3 of the Netflix series ‘The Crown’, as the airport baggage truck, with Colin himself as the baggage truck driver. This explains the ‘MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT AND CIVIL AVIATION’ graphics on the cab doors. Well done Colin on a number of counts there !
Other work carried out on D9518 last Saturday 10th July was in preparation for the frames to be re-mounted on the wheelsets. Simon and Terry worked on the brake cylinders that fit between the frames and Colin G continued his painstaking work on the wheelsets. Well done to all !
This loco is also the subject of an appeal that is shortly to be posted to our website along with restricted donation ‘products’ that will allow donors to select the precise value of their donations and be safe in the knowledge that their funds are only to be used for the specific purpose of restoring D9518. This online facility should be ready by next weekend.
If you love the ‘Teddy Bears’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please consider joining so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D9518 to operational condition – and see her haul passenger coaches for the first time in her life!
Andrew Barclay 578 (ROF 1) – this loco is undergoing bodywork repairs prior to priming and painting. The livery chosen for this loco will be the Government-standard (in 1972) deep bronze green that the loco carried during her days in service at the Royal Ordanace Factory (ROF) in Puriton, near Bridgwater, Somerset.
Many thanks to all of our volunteers who are hard at work cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !
BOOK REVIEW – we have reorganised our books into two categories on our online store, introducing a separate category for PRE-OWNED BOOKS. All such books have been donated by members and suporters and ALL PROCEEDS from the sale of pre-owned books goes directly to the D1010 restoration fund.
We are delighted to report that Geoff Miles, a long-time DEPG member and volunteer on the original restoration of both D7018 and D1010, has donated a whole load of excellent and pristine-condition books worth approximately £1,000 for the benefit of D1010. These include some rare titles that are likely to fly off our shelves, so keep an eye on our pre-owned books section of our online store later this week. Remember, ALL PROCEEDS from the sale of these books goes directly to the D1010 restoration fund.
Many thanks to Geoff and to everyone who has donated books to help D1010. Please reply to this email or use our contact form if you have books that you would like to donate.
ON SHED: Continuing with photos of our ‘Hymek’ D7018 when based at Didcot Railway Centre we see the loco in the mid ’80s, carrying her original livery before the addition of the yellow warning panel. The loco was only in service for three weeks in 1962 before having to go to Swindon for attention, during which time the yellow warning panel was applied. Many thanks to Jon Tooke for sharing this photo with us all.
DEPG NEWS: Following the success of the first run of ‘Hymek’ D7018 we can now focus on selling tickets for the next run, which takes place on Saturday 31st July.
A reminder of the running days follows (all are Saturdays):
31 July – ‘Hymek’ D7018
07 August – ‘Hymek’ D7018, with an extension to Norton Fitzwarren
21 August – Crompton pair, top and tail, celebrating their 60th birthdays!
25 September – ‘Hymek’ D7018, with an extension to Norton Fitzwarren
The ticketing links for these services are as below (these are links to the WSR website):
IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE, we have been advised that our diesels will be in use for the MIXED TRACTION WEEKEND on 17-18 September, the timetable for which has not yet been released. This new running opportunity will feature an extension to Norton Fitzwarren to provide both additional mileage and additional interest from this little-used section of the line. We will send out a DIESELGEN bulletin as soon as we have firm details. Mark the date in you diary !
OTHER DEPG NEWS: The DEPG Board Meeting 03JUL21 synopsis is now available in PDF format as part of the initiative to share information as soon as possible after the meetings.
As a REMINDER – the date for the next Annual General Meeting is set for the afternoon of Saturday 4th September. Formal notices will be sent to all registered paid-up members during August.
DEPG WEBSITE: Our ONLINE SHOP IS NOW LIVE so go ahead and visit our store!
Our website now carries details of the appeal for the RESTORATION OF D1010 and we are working on the additional pages need for the appeal for D9518, with special donation ‘products’ already added to support fundraising. The shop has been reorganised to introduce product categories and now includes a new category for PRE-OWNED BOOKS, the proceeds from which go directly to the fund for D1010.
WSR NEWS: The WSR are now operating public services to Minehead via a connecting bus service between Dunster and Minehead, so please support these services by buying tickets to ride!
Don’t forget to read about the WSR appeal by clicking this link – this appeal also needs our support because we need a thriving railway to run on !
All members of the WSR family have to do what we can to help and one easy way is to make a donation via the WSR website. Another way is to ensure that all of the timetabled services are a commercial success, so please buy a ticket if you can.
The WSR have announced the dates and times for the DIESEL RUNNING DAYS and have also released the ticketing, which can be found by following these links:
The running days will be as follows (all are Saturdays):
17 July (‘Hymek’ D7018, with extension to Norton Fitzwarren)
31 July (‘Hymek’ D7018)
07 August (‘Hymek’ D7018, with extension to Norton Fitzwarren)
21 August (Crompton pair, top and tail, celebrating their 60th birthdays!)
25 September (‘Hymek’ D7018, with extension to Norton Fitzwarren)
Please try to support these diesel running days – we need to show the strength of support for running diesels on the WSR, even though the offering this year is far from ideal. Please consider this as way to show your support for the WSR and the DEPG. Thanks !
IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE, we have been advised that our diesels will be in use for the MIXED TRAFFIC WEEKEND on 17-18 September, the timetable for which has not yet been released. This new running opportunity will feature an extension to Norton Fitzwarren to provide both additional mileage and additional interest from this little-used section of the line. We will send out a DIESELGEN bulletin as soon as we have firm details. Meanwhile, mark the date in you diary !
If you are unable to attend, the webcams provide a very good way of watching the action from afar. Here are the links:
Top billing this week goes to our former Chairman and Past President BOB TILLER who has just had a locomotive of his creation, number 69002, named after him during a short and informal ceremony that that was held at Waterloo station on Saturday 10th July. The new Class 69 is based on redundant bodyshells and bogies from the old BR Class 56 and have been re-engineered to include an emission-compliant engine and new-generation electronics controls, similar to the well-known Class 66.
Bob, in his role as Chief Mechanical and Electrical Engineer (CM&EE) of GB Railfreight (GBRf), was the key driver behind the creation of this new locomotive class and it is only fitting that the achievements of his railway career are recognised. What better way than by his name being carried by one of this new class of locomotives. Click on the image below for a short video of the occasion:
Bob has many other achievements that also need to be recognised – his membership of the D+EG and successor DEPG goes back to the ’70s where he volunteered at Didcot on the restoration of ‘Hymek’ D7018. His official DEPG posts started in 1983 as Publicity Officer then became Secretary in 1984 and continued in that post until 1990 when he became Chairman, right through until he stepped down in 2009. In 2011 he became President and resigned this post in 2018 to concentrate on his GBRf projects, but still keeps in regular contact with the DEPG at Williton and visits when time allows.
He was instrumental in D7018’s initial overhaul at Didcot and was one of the first to drive D7018 in preservation. His attention then switched to D1010 and obtaining a lease on the locomotive to restore and run it and then purchasing it from Foster Yeoman. This was his ‘pet’ loco at the time – and we believe that it still is!
We look forward to seeing 69002 running at a future WSR Diesel Gala !
Also making the news is our Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526, as she settles into her new surroundings while on hire to the KENT & EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY. The loco is going to be based at Rolvenden for the rest of this year, covering for sister loco D9504 while that loco undergoes a high-hour overhaul after giving many years of sterling service. We have learned that the side rods and brake gear of D9504 are undergoing repair at the moment.
D9526 was out and about on a test run on the K&ESR last Monday and a video clip was forwarded to our FaceBook account by the RAILWAY MAGAZINE, so thanks to the staff at the RM for bringing it to our attention. It can now be found on our Facebook account – but you don’t need to have an account or be a Facebook user to view it, you only need to click on the picture below to view our Facebook page, then scroll down to find this article and the video will play automatically:
We have also received an excellent photo of D9526 hauling some very old carriages during her test run on Monday of last week:
After her exertion during the previous day, D9526 ended up tucked away safe and sound inside the carriage shed at Rolvenden, Kent, and this will be her home during her six-month stay when not working on the K&ESR. Not so bad, eh ?
Meanwhile, our ‘celebrity’ Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ is still marooned at Bishops Lydeard because of delays in obtaining permission for her road haulage move from Bishops Lydeard to Pickering on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. This is very frustrating because the NYMR want to put the loco to work and the DEPG needs the income that will arise from it, but we are in the hands of Highways England and we all have to wait. We will send out a DIESELGEN bulletin as soon as we know the date, time and route for the move.
Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – we are pleased to announce that the appeal for funds to support the £100,000 restoration of D1010 has opened to a great start because of the funds already generated by sales of our D1010 booklet and by sales of books by Roger Geach and sales of pre-owned books. We also have multiple pledges of help from DEPG members that will amount to significant sums and quickly take us past the 10% mark.
Although we intend to raise £100,000 for the whole restoration project, we don’t expect to raise this in one year. In fact, we only need to raise the amount needed for a specific phase of work and we will be devising a graphical means of showing how the funds are being allocated and applied as the restoration proceeds, but we do need fundraising to run in advance of restoration work so that we take the right decisions and progress as quickly as we can. Our objectives are achievable with a little help from all ‘Western’ fans, wherever you are and whichever group you belong to. We are fully inclusive !
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 consider joining so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D1010 to full operational condition.
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – This loco emerged from the shed yesterday and was started up so that she could take some ‘exercise’ in the confines of our yard at Williton. All went well except for some problems with low battery voltage, probably caused by one or two failed cells in the 48-cell battery. This is being investigated and a temporary expedient will be to borrow some cells from another loco because D7018 is slated for front-line service starting next Saturday, 17th July 2021.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – having completed the radiator fan guard and retaining rings (see picture below), the ‘Tuesday team’ turned their attention to the battery boxes, one of which was retrieved from storage on the ‘LOWMAC’ wagon and taken to the shed for metalwork repairs. The extent of the corrosion, caused not only by weather but also by careless battery acid spillage when in service, is self-evident.
More excellent work by Colin F has allowed the air intake filter housing to be patched and the repaired component now awaits needle-gunning to remove the light corrosion in other areas before priming and painting. We can safely predict that Colin is not going to run short of work any time soon !
This loco is also the subject of an appeal that is shortly to be posted to our website along with restricted donation ‘products’ that will allow donors to select the precise value of their donations and be safe in the knowledge that their funds are only to be used for the specific purpose of restoring D9518. This online facility should be ready by next weekend.
If you love the ‘Teddy Bears’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please consider joining so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D9518 to operational condition – and see her haul passenger coaches for the first time in her life!
Andrew Barclay 578 (ROF 1) – this loco has now moved into the space in the loco shed that was vacated by D7018, so bodywork repairs can continue without exposing the loco to the glorious British summer weather. The next steps involve removing some of the worst-affected body panels so that they can be patched and repaired as necessary before priming and painting. The livery chosen for this loco will be the Government-standard (in 1972) deep bronze green that the loco carried during her days in service at the Royal Ordanace Factory (ROF) in Puriton, near Bridgwater, Somerset.
Many thanks to all of our volunteers who are hard at work cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !
BOOK REVIEW – we have reorganised our books into two categories on our online store, introducing a separate category for PRE-OWNED BOOKS. All such books have been donated by members and suporters and ALL PROCEEDS from the sale of pre-owned books goes directly to the D1010 restoration fund.
Here are three more of the well-known books from Bradford Barton publishers, dated 1974 and 1975. All three are first editions with hardback covers and are packed full of high-resolution black and white images. Two of these books are highly sought-after and the price reflects that status. All three have suffered from spending many years on a shelf, but that is to be expected of these 46-year old books. Remember, ALL PROCEEDS from the sale of these books goes directly to the D1010 restoration fund.
Many thanks to everyone who has donated books to help D1010. Please reply to this email or use our contact form if you have books that you would like to donate.
ON SHED: Last week, we featured a photo by Alan Walker showing three withdrawn Class 14s at Cardiff Canton depot in 1969, two of which were subsequently scrapped. We have since learned that those two locos did not go directly to the scrapyard but were routed via Stewarts & Lloyds steelworks at Corby where they were stripped down for spares to support the 14 members of the Class that had been acquired by S&L in 1968. It is therefore highly likely that parts from those two locos are still in use today, somewhere within the pool of preserved Class 14s, so they did ‘live on’ beyond 1969 – but in another form. Many thanks to Neale Long for providing this additional information.
This week, we feature a photo of our ‘Hymek’ D7018 when based at Didcot Railway Centre in the late ’80s, along with two of the steam locos that still reside at Didcot to this day, GWR 2-8-0 number 3822 (built 1940, alongside) and GWR 0-6-0PT number 3738 (built 1937, just visible inside the shed). Many thanks to Jon Tooke for sharing this photo with us all.
DEPG NEWS: With ‘Hymek’ D7018 prepped and ready for this coming Saturday, all we need is confirmation from the WSR so that we can send out a bulletin via Roundup and Dieselgen mailing lists, to communicate the final details and advise how to book tickets. The running days will be as follows (all are Saturdays):
17 July (‘Hymek’ D7018, possible extension to Norton Fitzwarren)
31 July (‘Hymek’ D7018)
07 August (‘Hymek’ D7018, possible extension to Norton Fitzwarren)
21 August (Crompton pair, top and tail, celebrating their 60th birthdays!)
25 September (‘Hymek’ D7018, possible extension to Norton Fitzwarren)
IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE, we have been advised that our diesels will be in use for the MIXED TRACTION WEEKEND on 17-18 September, the timetable for which has not yet been released. This new running opportunity will feature an extension to Norton Fitzwarren to provide both additional mileage and additional interest from this little-used section of the line. We will send out a DIESELGEN bulletin as soon as we have firm details. Mark the date in you diary !
OTHER DEPG NEWS: The Board Meeting synopsis is not quite ready so we will be including that in the next edition of roundup. As a REMINDER – the date for the next Annual General Meeting was confirmed as being 4th September. Formal notices will be sent to all registered paid-up members during August.
DEPG WEBSITE: Our ONLINE SHOP IS NOW LIVE so go ahead and visit our store!
Our website now carries details of the appeal for the RESTORATION OF D1010 and we are working on the additional pages need for the appeal for D9518, with special donation ‘products’ being added to support fundraising. The shop has been reorganised to introduce product categories and now includes a new category for PRE-OWNED BOOKS, the proceeds from which go directly to the fund for D1010.
WSR NEWS:The WSR are operating public services to Blue Anchor so we now need to support these services by buying tickets to ride!
The impact of the forthcoming change in the Government’s advice in respect of Covid-19 creates a lot of work for the small number of staff at the WSR, so the planning and ticketing of our diesel-hauled ‘specials’ has to take its place on the worklist.
We look forward to getting confirmation of the revised timetable and ticketing arrangements so that we can announce these services via DIESELGEN and on our website and through social media. We need to make sure that these trains are well loaded, so please help us make the most of the limited opportunity that is currently available to us.
Don’t forget to read about the WSR appeal by clicking this link – this appeal also needs our support because we need a thriving railway to run on !
All members of the WSR family have to do what we can to help and one easy way is to make a donation via the WSR website. Another way is to ensure that all of the timetabled services are a commercial success, so please buy a ticket if you can.
This image of D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ doing what she does best is available on a mug. Click here for the mug or click on the picture for a link to the APPEAL page.
The DEPG have opened an appeal for funds to allow the restoration of Class 52 ‘Western’ D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ to proceed with a view to returning the loco to a fully operational condition.
Follow this link to the APPEAL page to learn more about our plan and join us or help us return this famous loco to service so that she can entertain existing ‘Western’ followers and impress the younger generations with her ‘Maybach Music’ !
Top billing this week goes to our Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526, out on hire to the KENT & EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY for the rest of this year. Our loco was prepared for road transportation last Tuesday 28th June and was loaded on Thursday 1st July evening for the 220-mile trip to Wittersham Road near Rolvenden, which is approximately 20 miles from Ashford, in Kent. The loco was prepared for the loading ramp by removing the sand delivery nozzles, valves and pipework that would otherwise become bent and twisted by contacting the rail at the ramp transition point. Here’s a pictorial feast covering the move:
D9526 is spending the rest of this year at the K&ESR to cover for sister loco D9504 while that loco undergoes a high-hour overhaul after giving many years of sterling service. The class gets regular use at the K&ESR and this will be a good opportunity to generate some much-needed income for the DEPG. We will be keeping in touch with correspondents in the “Garden of England” and hope to feature news and photos on a regular basis.
Not wanting to be left out of the limelight, our ‘celebrity’ Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ has been dressed up with banners in preparation for her road haulage move from Bishops Lydeard to Pickering on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. One banner shows our social media ‘handles’ and the other banner shows the breadth of our fleet, the objective being to promote awareness of the DEPG as the loco covers in excess of 300 miles on her journey to the northeast. The banners were designed by our social media volunteer Natalie and were produced by Bristol Banners. Here are some photos:
The road haulage on the journey northward will be provided by well-known firm Allelys, but there are restrictions on the M1/M18 route that are still preventing Allelys from getting permission from Highways England for the move to take place. The alternative route via the M6/M62 is also unavailable because of major roadworks at the junction of these two motorways, so the date for the move has not yet been determined. This is frustrating because the NYMR are keen to put the loco to work. We will send out a DIESELGEN bulletin as soon as we can.
Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – work has started on the bodyside repairs, the first step being the removal of the loose ‘Prestolith’ filler as a precursor to corrosion treatment and subsequent repair. This loco is the subject of an appeal that is shortly to be posted to our website along with restricted donation ‘products’ that will allow donors to select the precise value of their donations and be safe in the knowledge that their funds are only to be used for the specific purpose of restoring D1010. This online facility should be ready in a few days from now.
If you love the ‘Westerns’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please consider joining so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D1010 to a decent and operational condition.
Our fund-raising efforts have already commenced with the recent publication of our booklet “D1010 WESTERN CAMPAIGNER – FROM MEREHEAD TO MINEHEAD”. All of the revenue from the sales of this booklet will go into the D1010 restoration fund, along with revenue from sales of pre-owned books, so please help the fund grow by buying from our online store. Thanks !
Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – This loco remains on standby at Williton and may soon see some use on the ‘shunt release’ operations when the WSR extend the running to Dunster, starting from Friday 17th July 2021. Meanwhile, the loco will need to undergo an oil change because the most recent oil sample suggests further dilution which does not appear to be from dilution with diesel fuel. The oil change will involve 80 gallons (360 litres) of oil and a set of new oil filters, so it is not a 10-minute job and it will cost a bundle !
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – This loco is being prepared for service and is expected to emerge from the shed next weekend after completion of maintenance and inspection tasks. There is not enough time before the first public service for the transmission control block issue to be resolved, so the transmission will be locked in second gear. This is no problem for a ‘Hymek’; the loco will operate in the same way as she did for the 2019 running season.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – the work continues on restoring the smaller assemblies, but in the background, preparations are being made for the hornguides to be re-fitted the the loco frames, which in turn will allow the frames to be re-mounted on the wheelsets. The delay arose due to the need to acquire ‘the right type of rivet’ but this is close to being resolved. A quotation for the alignment and riveting work has been received from WSR Restorations, so this major phase of restoration work will commence soon.
This loco is also the subject of an appeal that is shortly to be posted to our website along with restricted donation ‘products’ that will allow donors to select the precise value of their donations and be safe in the knowledge that their funds are only to be used for the specific purpose of restoring D9518. This online facility should be ready in a few days from now.
If you love the ‘Teddy Bears’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please consider joining so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D9518 to operational condition – and see her haul passenger coaches for the first time in her life!
Andrew Barclay 578 (ROF 1) – bodywork repairs have started, along with some electrical repairs that will help return this loco to full operational condition and ensure that she has a long life. We expect this loco to take the place of D7018 in the loco shed during the coming weeks so that body panels can be removed for restoration.
Many thanks to all of our volunteers who are hard at work cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !
BOOK REVIEW – we don’t have time for a new book review this week, but we do have plenty of book reviews in the pipeline. Meanwhile, we have reorganised our books into two categories on our online store, and we will soon be significantly expanding the range of books on offer.
ON SHED: Following on from the 1960s photos that have been sent to us by Alan Walker, this weeks’ photo shows a line of withdrawn Class 14s at Cardiff Canton depot in 1969, waiting to learn their fate.
D9500 is the only one of these three machines that survives today, but it is non-operational and awaiting restoration at Peak Rail in Derbyshire after spending many years of hard labour at NCB Ashington colliery – alongside our own D9518. The other two were only four years old when withdrawn from service and didn’t turn a revenue-earning wheel again, being cut up at Cohen’s of Kettering in 1970. What a waste !
Many thanks to Alan for sharing his photographs with us all.
DEPG NEWS: Last week, we appealed for feedback regarding the diesel-hauled services that are being planned for this summer – and we received plenty – but much of it was critical of what we had to offer. There were some common themes that we do need to respond to, so here they are below:
The Seaward Way level crossing replacement project has run late due to issues beyond the control of the WSR so rail access to Minehead is not currently possible. The estimated date for re-opening is some time in late September.
Services timetabled for Minehead will have a dedicated bus connection between Dunster and Minehead.
Dunster does not have a passing loop but a manoeuvre known as ‘shunt release’ will be used to allow the loco to reposition at the other end of the train. This involves the use of another loco, either the WSR’s Class 03 number D2133 or one of our Class 33 ‘Cromptons’, to move the coaching stock while the train loco waits in the siding.
The Bishops Lydeard to Dunster and return services being offered for diesel haulage are ‘out-and-back’ services and will not connect to bus services at Dunster.
The expected turnaround time at Dunster will be 35 minutes. All passengers must alight before the ‘shunt release’ manoeuvre.
A faster turnaround by only running to Blue Anchor is not possible because the previous service will have the ‘token’ for the Dunster section, preventing the diesel from running around at Blue Anchor, so there is nothing to be gained by dropping the Dunster segment.
The increased time taken by other scheduled services in the Dunster section prevents a second diesel trip from being rostered for the afternoon (this has been studied thoroughly).
This reduced-mileage one-trip roster is for THIS YEAR ONLY and we expect to be back to the full 80-mile diagram next year.
We know that the offering is not ideal, but we are appealing to supporters to ride these services to bring much-needed income to both the WSR and the DEPG.
After fully considering the feedback and after another review of the options, the decision was taken to go for a simple timetable with the same timings for each of the five days, as below (times in brackets are passing times, not station stops):
As soon as we get confirmation from the WSR, we will send out a further bulletin via ROUNDUP and DIESELGEN mailing lists, to communicate the final details and advise how to book tickets. The running days will be as follows (all are Saturdays):
17 July (‘Hymek’ D7018)
31 July (‘Hymek’ D7018)
07 August (‘Hymek’ D7018)
21 August (Crompton pair, top and tail)
25 September (‘Hymek’ D7018)
IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE, we have been advised that our diesels will be in use for the MIXED TRAFFIC WEEKEND on 17-18 September, the timetable for which has not yet been released. This new running opportunity will feature an extension to Norton Fitzwarren to provide both additional mileage and additional interest from this little-used section of the line. We will send out a DIESELGEN bulletin as soon as we have firm details. Mark the date in you diary !
OTHER DEPG NEWS: A Board meeting was held at Williton and via Zoom last Saturday 3rd July where issues such as the above were discussed and debated. A synopsis of that meeting will be included with the next roundup. The date for the next Annual General Meeting was confirmed as being 4th September. Formal notices will be sent to all registered paid-up members during August.
DEPG WEBSITE: Our ONLINE SHOP IS NOW LIVE so go ahead and visit our store!
Our website is in the process of being updated to include the two appeals that have been launched, one for D1010 and the other for D9518, with special donation ‘products’ being added to support fundraising. The shop has been reorganised to introduce product categories, because the ever-increasing number of products was causing the shop to get a bit too crowded and cluttered. Hopefully, the reorganisation will lead to a better shopping experience. Please let us know if you find our deliberate mistakes !
WSR NEWS:The WSR are operating public services to Blue Anchor so we now need to support these services by buying tickets to ride!
Although it is easy to criticise, it is not easy to run a heritage railway with all of the difficulties presented by Covid and by the Seaward Way level crossing reconstruction. It is in all of our interests to run more services and get more riding opportunities, but we all need to keep faith in the WSR management team and support them in ensuring that the WSR survives and emerges in good shape for future years – even if it means that we have to go without some of the things that we want, for a little bit longer.
We will be announcing the timetable for the diesel-hauled services via DIESELGEN and on our website and through social media. We need to make sure that these trains are well loaded, so please help us make the most of the limited opportunity that is currently available to us.
All members of the WSR family have to do what we can to help and one easy way is to make a donation via the WSR website. Another way is to ensure that all of the timetabled services are a commercial success, so please buy a ticket if you can.
Another busy week, gone by in a flash, but still with plenty to report. Last Monday 21st June 2021 saw Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ move under her own power from Williton to Bishops Lydeard to await road haulage to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. This was the first time that this loco had run on the WSR since 2017 and luckily, some of our volunteers were on hand to record the scene.
News of the move was shared with popular rail news site ‘RAIL ADVENT’ who published an article within minutes. This article stayed at the top for their ‘most read’ list for the rest of week, garnering almost 10,000 reads. Please follow this link to get us over the 10,000 mark !
We quickly compiled a short video featuring a combination of stills and video footage from our Chairman Martin Howard and from lineside contributors, and we uploaded this to YouTube later that same day. The video is available on the DEPG channel and has also been posted on the WSRTV channel, so please watch both versions to rack up some views on both channels.
The road haulage on the journey northward will be provided by well-known firm Allelys, but there are restrictions on the M1/M18 route that are preventing Allelys from getting permission from Highways England for the move to take place. The alternative route via the M6/M62 is also unavailable because of major roadworks at the junction of these two motorways, so the date for the move has not yet been determined. We will send out a DIESELGEN bulletin as soon as we can.
Another loco that is about to make news is our Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 because she will soon be heading southeast to the KENT & EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY for the rest of this year. The K&ESR already operates a class 14, number D9504, one of a number of the class that worked from Hull Dairycoates depot in the period 1966-1968, but this loco will be undergoing maintenance, so the ideal replacement is our D9526. The team at the K&ESR already have experience of looking after their own loco and the move has the blessing of the DEPG Class 14 team, so we look forward to be able to bring you news of D9526 at work in the Garden of England.
In preparation for the move, D9526 underwent a load test on Saturday 26th June when she hauled our two Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ from Williton to Bishops Lydeard and back. The two ‘Cromptons’ together weigh-in at 146 tons and this equates to a load of between 4 and 5 coaches, so it was a worthy task for the 650 hp loco. Here’s a photo of the ensemble passing through Stogumber on the climb to Crowcombe Heathfield:
Click here for a short video clip of the loco working hard during the return leg. Many thanks to Martin Howard for capturing this for us all to share:
The previous day, Friday 25th June, Class 33 D6575 (33 057) worked the last of the Route Refresher workings between Williton and Dunster, propelling the WSRA’s Hawksworth-designed Taunton Inspector’s Observation Saloon W80976W on the outward journey so that the trainees could get a clear view of the track ahead. DEPG member Mark Ireland was out with his camera and he captured some interesting pictures, full of detail. Here are two of his photos:
Many thanks to Mark for sharing his photos with us all.
OTHER LOCO NEWS:
Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – now resident in the loco shed on number 3 road and being kept serviceable, this loco is the subject of an article in the latest edition of the DEPG Newsletter that was distributed to members last week. The article describes the restoration project and outlines the funding requirements that will allow this loco to return to service in a reasonable period of time. If you love the ‘Westerns’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please consider joining so that you can become one of the team that is going to save D1010 from rusting away before our very eyes.
Our fund-raising efforts have already commenced with the recent publication of our booklet “D1010 WESTERN CAMPAIGNER – FROM MEREHEAD TO MINEHEAD”. All of the revenue from the sales of this booklet will go into the D1010 restoration fund, along with revenue from sales of pre-owned books, so please help the fund grow by buying from our online store. Thanks !
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – This loco is being prepared for service and is expected to emerge from the shed next weekend after completion of maintenance and inspection tasks. There is not enough time before the first public service for the transmission control block issue to be resolved, so the transmission will be locked in second gear. This is no problem for a ‘Hymek’; the loco will operate in the same way as she did for the 2019 running season.
The cabs of D7018 have benefitted from a replacement set of ‘Traffolyte’ placards, made using the same multi-layer engraving technique as the 1960s originals. The ‘Maximum Speed’ warning may not be relevant these days, but many of the other placards are useful and informative and need to be clear and easily readable.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – the drum beat of progress from the ‘Tuesday team’ continues as they tackle the electrical equipment enclosures of this fully-dismantled loco. The photos that have been provided by Terry show the quality of the work that is being done. First, a quick look at a pair of cab steps. One newly fabricated, the other renovated. Can you tell the difference?
Andrew Barclay 578 (ROF 1) – the Great British summer does not make it easy to perform bodywork repairs on a loco in the open air, so ‘the ROF’ will go into the loco shed on number 2 road when ‘Hymek’ D7018 emerges. Some time under cover will allow for the corroded body panels to be removed and repaired as necessary. We welcome new volunteers to come along and join in on the renovation of this loco. Training will be provided, so why not START NOW by joining our volunteer team !
Many thanks to all of our volunteers who are hard at work cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !
TOPICAL NEWS – the planned reopening of the Okehampton branch is a very welcome sign of progress in the reopening of former branch lines. In the case of Okehampton, it was not a branch because it was a station on the LSWR mainline route from Exeter to Plymouth via Tavistock. How useful that alternative route would be these days! Here’s some photos from DEPG member and volunteer Mike Evans:
BOOK REVIEW – we don’t have time for a new book review this week but we can tell you that the books on our website by well-known author Roger Geach are selling well, with a sizeable contribution to the D1010 restoration fund for every copy sold. We are very appreciative of the support being offered by the author.
This is a new book, but remember to also take a look at the pre-owned books on our DEPG ONLINE STORE, the entire proceeds of which will go to theD1010 restoration fund.
ON SHED: Following on from the 1960s photos that have been sent to us by Alan Walker, this weeks’ photo shows Swindon-built Class 42 ‘Warship’ 818 ‘GLORY’ alongside ‘Hymek’ D7014 outside the old steam shed at Swindon depot in March of 1969. The ‘Hymek’ met the cutter’s torch in August 1972 but the ‘Warship’ survived until 1985 and became a parts donor for the restoration of D821 ‘GREYHOUND’, owned by the DIESEL TRACTION GROUP (DTG) and still a regular and popular performer on the Severn Valley Railway.
Many thanks to Alan for sharing his photographs with us all.
DEPG NEWS: Following the announcement about diesel running dates a few weeks ago, readers have been contacting us to ask how they can book tickets for the diesel-hauled services. After some research, we concluded that the RED (high season) timetable did not offer an out-and-back diesel-hauled option, so we set up a conference call with the WSR to work on the details.
As a result, the WSR have offered two options for a diesel-hauled ‘excursion’ starting at Bishops Lydeard and running through to Dunster and return, with stops at Watchet and Blue Anchor. The options that the DEPG has to choose between are a morning departure, possibly with an additional stop at Williton (WN) for a visit to the diesel depot, or an afternoon departure with no possibility of a stop at WN due to pathing difficulties.
WE NEED YOUR FEEDBACK TO GUIDE US. Please let us know your preference so that we can maximise the appeal of this additional service and FILL THE SEATS ! Please reply to this email and let us know what you want. Thanks !
Since our earlier announcement about dates, the WSR have had confirmation of a mainline railtour that will run through to Dunster on 14th August, so there will NOT be a diesel-hauled service on that day. Sorry about that. The revised date is now 7th August.
To clarify, the UPDATED running dates are:
17 July (‘Hymek’ D7018)
31 July (‘Hymek’ D7018)
07 August (‘Hymek’ D7018)
21 August (Crompton pair)
25 September (‘Hymek’ D7018)
Once finalised, the WSR will set up the out-and-back diesel-hauled journeys as a SPECIAL EVENT which will then simplify the ticketing process. We expect to finalise these details during the coming week. The best way to keep informed is to watch our website home page or SIGN UP FOR DIESELGEN email bulletins.
The June edition of the DEPG member’s Newsletter has been printed and mailed to all members on the register. Please let us know if you have a current membership but have not received your copy. THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO JOIN US and be certain of getting your copy !
Our website is updated at least weekly (usually more frequently) with the latest news plus any DIESELGEN postings that may have arisen. We have a programme of work lined up to develop each of the loco pages to include detailed histories and we will also be setting up appeal pages for D1010 and D9518 restoration. Please keep an eye on our website and let us know what else we need to be doing to make it more useful and more user-friendly.
WSR NEWS:The WSR have successfully restarted public services to Blue Anchor so we now need to support these services by buying tickets to ride!
We are working on the timetabling for the diesel-hauled services and we will be announcing the timetable and the running days via DIESELGEN and on our website and through social media. We need to make sure that these trains are well loaded so that we can demonstrate the demand for diesel haulage. Please help us make the most of the opportunity that is currently available to us.
All members of the WSR family have to do what we can to help and one easy way is to make a donation via the WSR website. Another way is to ensure that all of the timetabled services are a commercial success, so please buy a ticket if you can.
This is a short-notice bulletin to let you know that Class 14 D9526 is lined up to perform a loaded test run between Williton and Bishops Lydeard today, with our Class 33 ‘Crompton’ pair D6566 (33 048) and D6575 (33 057) in tow.
