• Website template changed

     

    As a result of feedback from viewers, we have changed the template (more accurately termed the “theme”) that we use for our website to make better use of widescreen displays and to automatically resize when used on smaller displays such as smartphones.

    The format changes will mean that each page needs to be re-optimised to get the best layout and that will take some time, so please bear with us while we do this work.

    It is important to get the template right at this early stage, because the rework task will get much larger as we add more pages.

    A useful feature of this new template is that is includes a menu bar at the bottom of the page, along with a “back to top of page” arrow button. This menu automatically includes pages that have been added recently.

    Let us know if you find any issues with this website. We we will do our best to improve it on a continuous basis.

    Thanks !

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  • ‘Cromptons’ in Action

    Today, the two Class ‘Cromptons’ D6566 (33 048) and D6575 (33 057) that are under the care of the DEPG were in action on the WSR, connected in multiple and working an Empty Coaching Stock train from Williton to Bishops Lydeard.

    The day started with some shunting at Williton and ended with both ‘Cromptons’ being placed over the pit at Westridge shed for an underframe and traction motor inspection, before D6575 returned to Williton (D6566 remains at Bishops Lydeard for further use by the WSR).

    Here’s some pictures of the event, provided by our Chairman Martin Howard and from DEPG member and regular contributor Mark Ireland. All items are (c) CC BY-NC 3.0.

    There is also some very nice photos on the wsr.org website, one of which you can view via this link:

    http://www.wsr.org.uk/cgi-bin/snap.cgi?h=Snapshot&p=2020/11/006

    The above is extracted from a video that Mark captured while getting a good soaking! To see an extract of that video, go to our Twitter page: https://twitter.com/wsrdepg

    And many thanks to Railcam UK and the WSR for the following scenes that were captured from the Williton North webcam earlier today: weblink http://www.wsr.org.uk/r-cam-wn2.htm

    Well done to the DEPG’s ‘Team Crompton’ and to the volunteers and staff of the West Somerset Railway !

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  • ‘Cromptons’ to run as ‘BE’

    As a tribute to the late Barry Evans, a well known Class 33 enthusiast and frequent visitor to the WSR, the two Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ under the care of the DEPG will be running with ‘BE’ headcodes on Monday 2nd November 2020.

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) proudly wearing the “BE” headcode in memory of the late Barry Evans. Photographed on 17th October 2020 at Williton by Ian Robins. © CC BY-NC 3.0

    DEPG Chairman Martin Howard writes:

    “Along with many of our volunteer staff, I was saddened to learn of the recent passing of our long-time friend and supporter Barry Evans from Andover who, after a short and brave fight, has succumbed to motor neurone disease.”

    “We will miss him dearly and in tribute to Barry we intend to put BE up on the headcodes on the next occasion the locomotives run. This is expected to be on the 2nd November and will begin with a double-headed run in multiple from Williton to Bishops Lydeard.”

     

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  • Double-heading ‘Cromptons’

    On Monday 2nd November, Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ D6566 (33 048) and D6575 (33 057) are going to be in action on the West Somerset Railway and will be running in MULTIPLE via the newly-restored Blue Star multiple unit connections.

    Blue Star multiple working connections being tested on Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ D6566 (33 048) and D6575 (33 057). Photographed at Williton on 21st March 2020 by Tom Courtney (c) CC BY-NC 3.0

    The Special Notice issued by WSR Operations Dept calls for the pair of ‘Cromptons’ to come off shed at 0900 on Monday for shunting duties within the Williton station limits before departing for Bishops Lydeard at 1000 with the “Quantock Belle” dining set (4 x Mk 1) and several hopper wagons in tow.

    If you are able to capture this event, either by photo or video, please post your work on this thread so that we can all share the moment. Thanks!

    Please remember that the stations remain closed to the public and the trespassing rules are there for a reason, so make sure that you do not breach these rules when attempting that “perfect angle”. 

    http://www.wsr.org.uk/news.htm#2195

    The two ‘Cromptons’ will undergo underframe and traction motor inspections over the pit at Westridge before separating, with D6566 remaining at BL and D6575 returning to Williton Light Engine.

     

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  • D7018 transmission testing

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was started up at Williton yesterday so that static tests could be carried out on the transmission (gear change control). The first video shows D7018 bursting into life, reluctantly at first, under the watchful eye of Bob Clegg. The second video shows the array of pressure gauges that have been set up to monitor the individual control pressures. The lack of response on gauges “WA”, “P Red” and “FDR” mean that we have not yet solved the problem and more work is needed ! Thanks to Martin Howard for the videos. © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

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  • Going Live !

    Welcome to the “interim” DEPG website. We will be developing this site further and we are developing other features in the background, such as e-commerce, to be rolled out in the very near future.

    Please send your comments or observations to contact@depg.org

    Thanks !

  • Welcome to the new DEPG website

    This is just a quick message to welcome you to the new DEPG website that will be the new repository for the vast amount of information about our fleet of heritage locomotives, covering both their mainline days and their preservation days. We will also post news about our ongoing restoration and maintenance work. Join us and join in !

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