Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 will be in use at the ‘Last Hurrah’ Gala on the Great Central Railway this coming weekend 15/16th November and again on Saturday 22nd November. The unique features of the GCR allow the re-creation of authentic BR-era scenes such as the above, pictured at Swithland Sidings on Tuesday 28th October 2025 by Cameron Walker © CC BY-NC 4.0

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

All of the Christmas Specials are rostered for steam haulage, but keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page or sign up to our DIESELGEN bulletin service for advance notification of unplanned or diesel-assisted services.

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’– the weather at Williton turned out to be quite nice last weekend, allowing the team to complete the removal of the secondary springs from the ‘A’ bogie while clean-up work progressed on the ‘B’ bogie.

A welcome boost to morale was the delivery of the refurbished and tested springs, comprising all 12 primary leaf springs (6 per bogie, fully refurbished and each fitted with a new buckle) plus eight secondary coil springs (from the ‘B’ bogie, tested OK) and the two giant secondary leaf springs from the ‘B’ bogie, which were also (thankfully) fit for further use without needing repair. MANY THANKS to OWEN SPRINGS of Rotherham for doing such a fine job on these springs.

D1010 – meanwhile, the ‘A’ bogie was finally separated from it’s secondary springs after a massive effort that had spanned several weeks! Team member Glenn was cleaning up around the coil spring guides when surprised by the photographer at Williton on 8th November 2025. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

D1010 – the ‘A’ bogie with her centre wheelset exposed, now ready for the cleanup to begin. Pictured at Williton on 8th November 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

D1010 – the two massive secondary leaf springs from the ‘A’ bogie were finally extracted and now await cleaning, inspection and testing. Each spring carries one quarter of the weight of the loco body, therefore 19 tons ! Pictured at Williton on 8th November 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

We also made progress on the marking of a new batch of sponsored patches, with four separate areas marked out in a grid pattern and made ready for engraving. The drawings are also being updated to include these new patch areas and this will allow us to generate the certificates as part of the catch-up batch that we are currently working on. Thank you all for your patience !

Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations. This loco will move to Williton at the end of the operating season so that the most urgent of the bodywork repairs that were started last winter can be continued. Class 14 D9526 will be moving to Bishops Lydeard to cover for the ’09’.

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco underwent an oil change last Saturday and also had a new set of engine oil filters, which should keep her engine in good shape for another three or four years. The cost of buying the new oil and filters and disposing of the old oil and the contaminated filters is around £2,000 in total, so we only do the oil change when the periodic oil sample reports tell us that it is necessary. This is the same practice that has been used on mainline diesels since the 1970s and saves a lot of waste, while also flagging up the first signs of engine issues such as coolant leaking into the oil or unburnt fuel that ends up diluting the oil. The old adage ‘a stitch in time saves nine‘ is absolutely right in this case.

This loco will soon be moving to Bishops Lydeard where she will remain ‘on duty’ and under cover throughout the winter.

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is stabled on number 1 road at Williton and will undergo some light maintenance work before being ‘winterised’ later this month.

Here are the running dates:

On Saturday 22nd November, a charter has been organised by DTG and DEPG member STEVE FULCHER. Here are the details (D7018 services show as ‘Loco D2‘ and are highlighted in yellow), please contact Steve directly using the details below if you would like to ride on this special train. WELL DONE STEVE for arranging this. PLEASE DO TRY AND SUPPORT THIS EVENT because that is the way to ensure that this will be the first of many such ‘Hymek’ charters on this and other lines!

Steve has advised that the Griddle Car will be included in the train and will be open all day, and will offer CURRY in the evening, so if you were in two minds about going along, then this should clinch it. GET ON THE PHONE to Steve or email him and book your ticket now !

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work continued on the electrical system re-wire and on the rebuild of the Paxman ‘Ventura’ 6YJXL engine that last served in sister loco D9526. The need to prepare sister loco D9526 for service took some of the resources away temporarily, but the team will be back on D9518 once D9526 departs for Bishops Lydeard.

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco will be working a ‘Tidy Train’ on Saturday 22nd November, starting at Williton but ending her day at Bishops Lydeard where she will remain throughout the winter to cover for Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019). Last weekend, a modification was applied to D9526 to allow her coolant level to be topped up without having to climb onto the loco bonnet. This modification involved adding a hose connection, a gate valve and a non-return valve to the existing cooling system pipework to allow a top-up to take place using a standard carriage hose when at the platform. A much safer way of working !

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be based at Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and we hope that she will be rostered to assist with some of the Christmas Specials, to help keep her in good operating condition.

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is stabled outdoors on Number 3 road at Williton and is fully serviceable.

If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.

Many thanks to all of our volunteers who give up so much of their time to work on the cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !

NEW CLOTHING RANGE:

Good news – we believe that our supplier is now up to date with deliveries, so if you think otherwise then please get in touch with us by using our CONTACT FORM.  So, now is the time to place your NEW order via our ONLINE STORE, just click this link to give it a go !

So far, we have launched the 50 YEARS of HYMEKS range and a configurable HYMEK and WESTERN range, and we now have the new design for the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ featuring two locos side by side, one in green livery and the other in blue, or both in blue. Please let us know if you would like to order a combination that is not obvious on our online store – we are adding more options on a weekly basis.

New design for the DEPG Class 33 ‘Cromptons’. Click here to place your order !

We hope to have a new design for the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ soon. Here’s a review of what is on offer and available to order NOW via our website:

Polo shirt in Black with 50 YEARS of HYMEKS logo	Polo shirt in Royal Blue with D7018 in blue FYE and D1010 in maroon SYP
Polo shirt in Burgundy with 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ logo	Polo shirt in Seal Grey with D7017 in green SYP and D1010 in maroon SYP
T-shirt with D7018 and D1010 design (this type of printing is only available on a T-shirt)	Sweatshirt with D7018 in blue FYE and D1010 in maroon SYP

The range of colours has now been expanded and the range of sizes now includes LADIES SIZES. Please let us know via our CONTACT FORM if the colour and size combination that you want is not showing as an option online.

The new designs are available in the following garment types, some of which have not yet been added to our website, so again please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know what you want. Here are the prices:

Although the prices of the new range are higher than before, the prices are competitive and are in line with the quality of the garments. These are really nice pieces of work and the ability to personalise your choice is another definite advantage.

We look forward to receiving your order, the profits from which will directly support the DEPG !

ON SHED – as mentioned previously, this week we have a fine shot of two Class 08 shunters that have both made it safely into preservation and are both currently serviceable, 08401 (D3516) having joined the DEPG fleet in October 2025 and 08444 (D3559) having been based at the Bodmin & Wenford Railway in Cornwall since 1987.

Both were built at Derby Works in 1958 and were allocated to Doncaster (36A) at the time of the below photograph before heading in different directions, one east, one west. However, both are now together again in the West Country, and their future is assured.

This photo of 08401 (D3516) and sister 08444 (D3559) was taken at Doncaster Works on Saturday 22nd October 1977. Both 1958-vintage locos survive in preservation today. Photo by Ian Sugden © CC BY-NC 4.0

NEW BOOKS ON SALE

Not one but THREE new books were added to our online store last week, with varied themes but all of great interest. The new Platform 5 books are arriving tomorrow and will be shipped out over the weekend, so GO AHEAD AND PLACE YOUR ORDERS via the DEPG online store now !

Part 1 of a 3-part series by Bernard Mills, this new book is sure to be a big success. Click here to place your order (for shipment in mid-November).

Volume 2 of a 3-volume series by Michael Rhodes, this new book is going to be of great interest to many readers. Click here to place your order (for shipment in mid-November).

A rugged A5 wirebound booklet that will be essential reading for operators and crew of the popular Class 33 ‘Cromptons’, this book will also be of value to those with a broader technical interest. Click here to order your copy.

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

The DEPG 2026 A3 CALENDAR is available for sale and the recent uptick in shipments has prompted us to include it in the roundup ! Click here or on the following image to see a mini-presentation that steps through each page and gives the flavour of the contents. MANY THANKS to all of the photographers who donated their work for the benefit of the DEPG !

DEPG NEWS: our Publicity Officer Mark Bladwell has been busy again, this time producing another edition of the DEPG Quarterly Newsletter, right on time as usual!

This 32-page edition has been sent out to all DEPG members who were on the membership register on 3rd November, either by mail or email according to the preferences set in your membership account. Please let us know by using our CONTACT FORM if you are a member but haven’t received your copy one way or another. Not a member ? Then click here to sign up to become a member or to re-join!

JOIN US using whichever membership class is appropriate for your situation and means. CLICK HERE or on the image below or use the QR code to get the details.

If you would like to go one step further and come along to help with the work on the locos in our fleet, then please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know that you would like to volunteer and we will respond with more details.

We look forward to hearing from you !

Go to the previous Roundup post

The WSR’s Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) worked the last scheduled service to Minehead on Sunday 2nd November 2025 while BR(WR) 4-6-0 7828 ‘ODNEY MANOR’ worked the ‘up’ service towards Bishops Lydeard, to bring the 2025 running season to a close. Both were pictured at Williton by Mike Lanning © CC BY-NC 4.0

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

All of the Christmas Specials are rostered for steam haulage, but keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page or sign up to our DIESELGEN bulletin service for advance notification of unplanned or diesel-assisted services.

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’– the weather interfered with progress on the removal of the secondary springs of ‘A’ bogie at Williton last weekend, but some springs were eventually removed and the rest will be tackled during this coming weekend, the weather forecast being much more favourable – if it turns out to be correct, of course !

In parallel with the work on the bogies, attention is being given to planning some remedial work on the ‘A’ engine, which exhibited some coolant leakage from between some of the cylinder heads when cold, before the last engine run, back in November 2021. Our friends at the DTG have advised that the upper cylinder liner seals are probably the cause, this being a known issue on this type of diesel engine and for which there is a known fix. However, the engine is currently mounted on a stand on a Boiler Trolley along with the ‘B’ engine, so it cannot be worked on until it is brought back down to ground level. This is going to take some planning and will involve a crane lift. The engine work also needs to be thought through so that we come up with a remediation plan that does not go further than necessary, the engine being otherwise OK.

Here’s a reminder of the last time that the ‘A’ engine was run-up, which was just before the electrical systems within the loco were disconnected as her bodywork overhaul progressed. Click here or on the image below to go to the Weekly Roundup of 07-Nov-21 and scroll down to the D1010 section.

D1010 – click here or on the image above to go to the Weekly Roundup from 7th November 2021 to view video clips from the last occasion when the ‘A’ engine was run up. Video clips by Leroy Ford  © CC BY-NC 4.0

D1010 – the two stored Bristol Siddeley Maybach MD655 engines from D1010 dominate the corner of the shed at Williton. Pictured along with John C on Saturday 8th March 2025 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 4.0

The funding that we already have in place for D1010 is sufficient to carry us through for the time being, but we will be needing to top up to get the loco completed in time for the 2027 running season.

Before asking for more funding, we will be writing up a report on how much has been raised, how much has been spent and on what, and provide the estimates to get the job done. We expect to remain within the £100,000 that was originally set as a target.

Several sponsors have been reminding us that we still haven’t completed the marking of a number of patches, and some certificates have yet to be sent out. Apologies for this, but we will be straightening this out over the coming weeks and getting up to date with the administration of this very successful fundraising scheme.

Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations. This loco will move to Williton at the end of the operating season so that the most urgent of the bodywork repairs that were started last winter can be continued. Class 14 D9526 will be moving to Bishops Lydeard to cover for the ’09’.

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco has also returned to Williton and will undergo an oil change this coming weekend. The downside is that her Sulzer 8LDA28 engine requires 105 gallons of oil, which converts to 400 litres, which costs around £2,000 these days !

We carry out regular oil condition monitoring and only change the oil when necessary (the previous oil change on this loco was in December 2021) but the latest sample report stated that the time has come again. The oil filters will also be replaced and then there will be 400 litres of used oil and three dirty filters that will have to be disposed of, which will be another expense that has to be offset against the running income.

The loco will then move to Bishops Lydeard where she will remain ‘on duty’ and under cover throughout the winter.

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is stabled on number 1 road at Williton and will undergo some light maintenance work before being ‘winterised’ later this month.

Here are the running dates:

On Saturday 22nd November, a charter has been organised by DTG and DEPG member STEVE FULCHER. Here are the details (D7018 services show as ‘Loco D2‘ and are highlighted in yellow), please contact Steve directly using the details below if you would like to ride on this special train. WELL DONE STEVE for arranging this. PLEASE DO TRY AND SUPPORT THIS EVENT because that is the way to ensure that this will be the first of many such ‘Hymek’ charters on this and other lines!

Steve has advised that the Griddle Car will be included in the train and will be open all day, and will offer CURRY in the evening, so if you were in two minds about going along, then this should clinch it. GET ON THE PHONE to Steve or email him and book your ticket now !

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work on the electrical system re-wire has resumed and further progress has also been made on the rebuild of the Paxman ‘Ventura’ 6YJXL engine that last served in sister loco D9526. The photos below show two more pistons being installed by the ‘Tuesday Team’, after which the engine received a coat of light grey gloss, courtesy of Colin G:

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is currently indoors on No. 2 road at Williton and is undergoing an underframe cleanup and repaint in the careful hands of Colin G, and the results are in line with his usual high standard. This loco will move to Bishops Lydeard later in November to cover for Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019).

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be in regular use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and was recently the subject of a social media post by the West Somerset Railway – click this link to go the WSR Facebook page.

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is stabled outdoors on Number 3 road at Williton and was used to move Class 08 shunter 08401 (D3516) from the North Yard to the South Yard on Saturday 25th October.

If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.

Many thanks to all of our volunteers who give up so much of their time to work on the cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !

NEW CLOTHING RANGE:

Good news – we believe that our supplier is now up to date with deliveries, so if you think otherwise then please get in touch with us by using our CONTACT FORM.  So, now is the time to place your NEW order via our ONLINE STORE, just click this link to give it a go !

So far, we have launched the 50 YEARS of HYMEKS range and a configurable HYMEK and WESTERN range, and we now have the new design for the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ featuring two locos side by side, one in green livery and the other in blue, or both in blue. Please let us know if you would like to order a combination that is not obvious on our online store – we are adding more options on a weekly basis.

New design for the DEPG Class 33 ‘Cromptons’. Click here to place your order !

We hope to have a new design for the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ soon. Here’s a review of what is on offer and available to order NOW via our website:

Polo shirt in Black with 50 YEARS of HYMEKS logo	Polo shirt in Royal Blue with D7018 in blue FYE and D1010 in maroon SYP
Polo shirt in Burgundy with 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ logo	Polo shirt in Seal Grey with D7017 in green SYP and D1010 in maroon SYP
T-shirt with D7018 and D1010 design (this type of printing is only available on a T-shirt)	Sweatshirt with D7018 in blue FYE and D1010 in maroon SYP

The range of colours has now been expanded and the range of sizes now includes LADIES SIZES. Please let us know via our CONTACT FORM if the colour and size combination that you want is not showing as an option online.

The new designs are available in the following garment types, some of which have not yet been added to our website, so again please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know what you want. Here are the prices:

Although the prices of the new range are higher than before, the prices are competitive and are in line with the quality of the garments. These are really nice pieces of work and the ability to personalise your choice is another definite advantage.

We look forward to receiving your order, the profits from which will directly support the DEPG !

ON SHED – this week, we feature something different, a loco of a fading Class pictured when almost new at a location that once boasted a huge marshalling yard but has long since closed down, namely Healey Mills, near Wakefield in West Yorkshire. Here’s the narrative that was provided by the photographer, Rob Crispin:

     “As South Devon Railway have announced a 2 day diesel gala (8-9th November), and their guest locos are two Class 56s, I thought I’d dig out a photo of one of those from the 1980s.

     56109 was less than a year old when I took this photo of it at Healey Mills in February, 1983. The memories of this trip were that it was the worst trip due to the fog not lifting at all, the fact that hardly anything was visible, and the freezing cold temperature which teenagers were never going to be fully prepared for.

     This was the only photo that made it to an album. I can remember seeing the outline of an 08 coupled to a brake van, which clearly had a fire raging inside, as well as probably half the depot staff!

     56109 managed just over 20 years in service before being withdrawn. It then managed another 8 years before it was scrapped. Although cases can be made for other places, if I could time travel and revisit another school trip location again, I’d probably pick Healey Mills as I only ever visited there on that day.

Class 56 ‘Grid’ 56109 was less than one year old when pictured through the fog at Healey Mills depot on a very cold and dismal Friday 25th February 1983. Photo by Rob Crispin © CC BY-NC 4.0

NEW BOOKS ON SALE

Not one but THREE new books were added to our online store last week, with varied themes but all of great interest. The publishers have confirmed that the new books have arrived in their stock and we expect to receive our allocation during next week, so GO AHEAD AND PLACE YOUR ORDERS !

Part 1 of a 3-part series by Bernard Mills, this new book is sure to be a big success. Click here to place your order (for shipment in mid-November).

Volume 2 of a 3-volume series by Michael Rhodes, this new book is going to be of great interest to many readers. Click here to place your order (for shipment in mid-November).

A rugged A5 wirebound booklet that will be essential reading for operators and crew of the popular Class 33 ‘Cromptons’, this book will also be of value to those with a broader technical interest. Click here to order your copy.

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

The DEPG 2026 A3 CALENDAR is available for sale and the recent uptick in shipments has prompted us to include it in the roundup ! Click here or on the following image to see a mini-presentation that steps through each page and gives the flavour of the contents. MANY THANKS to all of the photographers who donated their work for the benefit of the DEPG !

DEPG NEWS: our Publicity Officer Mark Bladwell has been busy again, this time producing another edition of the DEPG Quarterly Newsletter, right on time as usual!

This 32-page edition will be sent out to all DEPG members who were on the membership register on 3rd November, either by mail or email according to the preferences set in your membership account. Please let us know by using our CONTACT FORM if you are a member but haven’t received your copy by the end of the coming week. Not a member ? Then click here to sign up to become a member or to re-join!

JOIN US using whichever membership class is appropriate for your situation and means. CLICK HERE or on the image below or use the QR code to get the details.

If you would like to go one step further and come along to help with the work on the locos in our fleet, then please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know that you would like to volunteer and we will respond with more details.

We look forward to hearing from you !

Go to the previous Roundup post

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 made a fine picture as she lifted a train of vans out of Swithland Sidings on the Great Central Railway on Tuesday 28th October 2025. The full day of goods train workings using D7018 was arranged as a photo charter by David Williams and Timeline Events. Photo by Andrew Royle © CC BY-NC 4.0

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

Sign up to our DIESELGEN bulletin service for advance notification of unplanned services.

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’– the use of Colin Foxhall’s winching method was proven to be a success, and a team effort that also involved Reece, Tim and Gordon resulted in all of the 2-inch BSW nuts being released by the end of the day on Tuesday 28th October. This will now allow the secondary springs (8 coil springs and 2 massive leaf springs) to be lifted off the ‘A’ bogie during this coming weekend, weather permitting. The work on cleaning up and inspecting the removed parts continues in parallel with the re-start of the repair work on the remaining cooler group. As soon as the cooler group is repaired, it will go outside so that the bogie can move inside the shed.

D1010 – the 2″ BSW nuts put up a fight, but patience and the appliance of science won the day. Colin F was pictured with his 70mm spanner and one of the troublesome nuts at Williton on Saturday 25th October 2025. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

D1010 – the ‘A’ cooler group has been turned over one more time to allow access to the one remaining area that requires repair. It will soon be completed and moved outdoors, where it will be sheeted over until needed. Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 28th October 2025 by Tony Austin © CC BY-NC 4.0

The cost of overhauling the bogies is significant because there are many large and heavy parts that are expensive to refurbish or replace. The funding that we already have in place for D1010 is sufficient to carry us through for the time being, but we will be needing to top up to get the loco completed in time for the 2027 running season.

Before asking for more funding, we will be writing up a report on how much has been raised, how much has been spent and on what, and provide the estimates to get the job done. We expect to remain within the £100,000 that was originally set as a target.

Several sponsors have been reminding us that we still haven’t completed the marking of a number of patches, and some certificates have yet to be sent out. Apologies for this, but we will be straightening this out over the coming weeks and getting up to date with the administration of this very successful fundraising scheme.

Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations. This loco will move to Williton at the end of the operating season so that the most urgent of the bodywork repairs that were started last winter can be continued. Class 14 D9526 will be moving to Bishops Lydeard to cover for the ’09’.

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is stabled at Williton so that her planned maintenance work can be continued while outdoors. When the shed is available, she will move indoors so that her leaking engine room roof can be removed and repaired.

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco has also returned to Williton for planned maintenance work and an oil change that will take place during the next few weeks. The loco will then move to Bishops Lydeard where she will remain ‘on duty’ throughout the winter.

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – some excellent news – the Transmission Team conducted some health checks on the transmission of this loco and we were pleasantly surprised by the findings. The transmission is in fine condition (as assessed via the inspection ports) and the filters were clean, which is remarkable, given the high hours on this machine. We can now focus on other tasks that will make the loco easier to manage with the view of using this loco more frequently in the years to come.

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – already covered.

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work on the electrical system re-wire has resumed and further progress has also been made on the rebuild of the Paxman ‘Ventura’ 6YJXL engine that last served in sister loco D9526. More photos will be provided ASAP.

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is now indoors on No. 2 road at Williton and is undergoing an underframe cleanup and repaint. This loco will move to Bishops Lydeard in November to cover for Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019).

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be in regular use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and was recently the subject of a social media post by the West Somerset Railway – click this link to go the WSR Facebook page.

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is stabled outdoors on Number 3 road at Williton and was used to move Class 08 shunter 08401 (D3516) from the North Yard to the South Yard on Saturday 25th October.

If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.

Many thanks to all of our volunteers who give up so much of their time to work on the cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !

NEW CLOTHING RANGE:

Our supplier encountered some production holdups last week so APOLOGIES again if your order has been delayed (please let us know if you are still waiting in case we have slipped up). Deliveries have now resumed and the backlog is being dealt with. Don’t let this stop you from placing your NEW order via our ONLINE STORE, just click this link to give it a go !

So far, we have launched the 50 YEARS of HYMEKS range and a configurable HYMEK and WESTERN range, and we now have the new design for the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ featuring two locos side by side, one in green livery and the other in blue (both in blue is also an option).

New design for the DEPG Class 33 ‘Cromptons’. Click here to place your order !

We hope to have a new design for the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ soon, probably becoming available in November. Here’s a review of what is on offer and available to order NOW via our website:

Polo shirt in Black with 50 YEARS of HYMEKS logo	Polo shirt in Royal Blue with D7018 in blue FYE and D1010 in maroon SYP
Polo shirt in Burgundy with 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ logo	Polo shirt in Seal Grey with D7017 in green SYP and D1010 in maroon SYP
T-shirt with D7018 and D1010 design (this type of printing is only available on a T-shirt)	Sweatshirt with D7018 in blue FYE and D1010 in maroon SYP

The range of colours has now been expanded and the range of sizes now includes LADIES SIZES. Please let us know via our CONTACT FORM if the colour and size combination that you want is not showing as an option online.

The new designs are available in the following garment types, some of which have not yet been added to our website, so again please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know what you want. Here are the prices:

Although the prices of the new range are higher than before, the prices are competitive and are in line with the quality of the garments. These are really nice pieces of work and the ability to personalise your choice is another definite advantage.

We look forward to receiving your order, the profits from which will directly support the DEPG !

ON SHED – this week, we feature our newly-acquired Class 08 shunter 08401 (D3516) in 1988, surrounded by Classes 08 and 37 locos, thought to be at Immingham. This photo is much appreciated as we are appealing for any photos of this loco in service anywhere around the Country. This will allow us to build a gallery of photos that can be made available online. If you have any photos in your collection, either as D3516 or 08401 then please get in touch using our CONTACT form.

In the first instance, we are trying to establish the date and place of conversion from vacuum braking to air braking, so photos from the late 1970s will be particularly helpful. Refer to our loco TIMELINE page for clues as to the missing information.

Here’s a photo dated 1988 that has been kindly provided to us by Rail Image Collections:

Class 08 shunter 08401 (D3516) was pictured ‘on shed’ in 1988, probably at Immingham. This image has been kindly provided by Rail Image Collections. Photo by Paul Rothley © CC BY-NC 4.0

NEW BOOKS ON SALE

Not one but THREE new books to announce this week, with varied themes but all of great interest. More details will be provided next week, but each of these books is available to order, the Class 33 booklet being in stock already, the other two are due in to our stock in mid-November (orders can be placed now):

Part 1 of a 3-part series by Bernard Mills, this new book is sure to be a big success ! Click here to place your order (for shipment in mid-November).

Volume 2 of a 3-volume series by Michael Rhodes, this new book is going to be of great interest to many readers. Click here to place your order (for shipment in mid-November).

An A5 wirebound booklet that will be essential reading for operators and crew of the popular Class 33 ‘Cromptons’, this book will also be of value to those with a broader technical interest. Click here to order your copy.

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

The DEPG 2026 A3 CALENDAR is available for sale and the recent uptick in shipments has prompted us to include it in the roundup ! Click here or on the following image to see a mini-presentation that steps through each page and gives the flavour of the contents. MANY THANKS to all of the photographers who donated their work for the benefit of the DEPG !

DEPG NEWS: our team of volunteers continue to share their time between working on locos and working on facilities that are needed to work on locos. The restoration of the ‘Niftylift’ ‘cherry picker’ is an example of this, because once restored and passed as safe to use, this handy machine will be used for all kinds of purposes, from washing locos through to clearing gutters and maintaining cranes. Very handy indeed.

The DEPG is a charity and is run entirely by volunteers, many of whom give both their time and their money to the continuance of work on the locos in the DEPG fleet. If you have been enjoying the roundup for free, have you considered joining us for just £1 a month ? You can then add your name to all of those helping out on the above projects and play your part in the future of our locos for a lot less than the price of a cup of coffee!

JOIN US using whichever membership class is appropriate for your situation and means. CLICK HERE or on the image below or use the QR code to get the details.

If you would like to go one step further and come along to help with the work on the locos in our fleet, then please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know that you would like to volunteer and we will respond with more details.

We look forward to hearing from you !

Go to the previous Roundup post

The DEPG have acquired 1958-vintage Derby-built Class 08 ‘Shunter’ 08401 (D3516) from the Hunslet Engine Company. The fully-operational loco was pictured while being unloaded at Williton on Thursday 23rd October 2025 by S. A. Smith specialist hauliers. Photo by Tony Austin © CC BY-NC 3.0

The WSR’s AUTUMN STEAM WEEKEND took place from Friday 17th through Sunday 19th October and turned out to be a well-patronised event, although the weather tried to dampen it down with grey skies on Friday and Saturday and very wet and dismal weather on the Sunday. However, undeterred, the event went ahead and provided some excellent scenes with the additional interest of Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) operating on each of the three days. The crowds were evidently enjoying the spectacle regardless of the weather, so we hope that autumn events can become a regular feature in the calendar in years to come. WELL DONE to all involved in delivering this successful event !

Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page in case the motive power allocations change (we will TRY and keep this page aligned with the latest information).

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

Sign up to our DIESELGEN bulletin service for advance notification of unplanned services.

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’– the weather held up well on Saturday 18th and allowed work to continue on the bogies outdoors. The target was the removal of the secondary suspension springs from the ‘A’ bogie, which involves having to heat up the four massive nuts (last week we said 8 nuts but 4 of them are lock nuts which are fairly easy to remove without heating) that are used to keep the coil springs properly tensioned. The nuts have a 2 inch thread diameter (51 mm) and have been in the same position and exposed to the elements for 50 years, so they do not want to come off. Previous experience with the ‘B’ bogie showed that a few minutes under the oxy-acetelene torch would be the answer and the nuts would then be easy to remove. However, the ‘A’ bogie put up much more of a fight, and work is ongoing using Colin Foxhall’s winching method to get the nuts removed without damaging the threads of the spring hanger itself. Here are some photos:

D1010 – the 2″ BSW nuts were heated using oxy-acetylene equipment and then the 70mm spanner and extension tube were used to try to slacken them – but to no avail. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 18th September 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

D1010 – the 2″ BSW nuts on the spring hangers were evidently putting up quite a fight ! Pictured at Williton on Saturday 18th September 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

Aside from the struggles on the ‘A’ bogie, the next step for the ‘B’ bogie will be to move it inside the loco shed so that the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) can take place using the Dye Penetrant Inspection process. The primary suspension leaf springs have now been refurbished at OWEN SPRINGS LTD. in Rotherham and will be on their way back to Williton during the coming days, so the need to get the NDT work completed has taken on additional significance.

Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations. This loco will move to Williton at the end of the operating season so that the most urgent of the bodywork repairs that were started last winter can be continued. Class 14 D9526 will be moving to Bishops Lydeard to cover for the ’09’.

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco has now returned to Williton so that her planned maintenance work can be continued and she will be undergoing some remedial work on her leaking engine room roof while back at Williton.

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco was in use on each of the three days of the Autumn Steam Weekend event that took place from Friday through Sunday 17-19th October. Currently the ‘duty loco’ stabled at Minehead, this loco will return to Williton for planned maintenance work during November and will then move to Bishops Lydeard, where she will remain throughout the winter.

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – now back at Williton and undergoing planned maintenance and condition monitoring checks. The loco is stabled on number 1 road at Williton.

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – we have been made aware of several additional running dates for this loco while on hire to the GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY (GCR) and they are tabulated below:

On Saturday 22nd November, a charter has been organised by DTG and DEPG member STEVE FULCHER. Here are the details, please contact Steve directly using the details below if you would like to ride on this special train. WELL DONE STEVE for arranging this, we hope that all seats get sold because that is the way to ensure that this will be the first of many such charters !

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work on the electrical system re-wire has resumed and plenty of progress has also been made on the rebuild of the Paxman ‘Ventura’ 6YJXL engine that last served in sister loco D9526. The first of the six pistons was re-installed in the engine block on Tuesday 21st October and the method of working was established that will allow the remaing five pistons to be installed this coming Tuesday. Another big step forward, well done team !

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is now indoors on No. 2 road at Williton and is undergoing an underframe cleanup and repaint. This loco will move to Bishops Lydeard in November to cover for Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019).

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be in regular use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and is the subject of a social media post by the West Somerset Railway – click this link to go the the WSR Facebook page.

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is stabled outdoors on Number 3 road at Williton and is available for use as required (it might get used to move 08410 to the South Yard on Saturday 25th).

If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.

Many thanks to all of our volunteers who give up so much of their time to work on the cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !

NEW CLOTHING RANGE:

Our supplier encountered some production holdups last week so APOLOGIES again if your order has been delayed (please let us know if you are still waiting in case we have slipped up). Deliveries have now resumed and the backlog is being dealt with. Don’t let this stop you from placing your NEW order via our ONLINE STORE, just click this link to give it a go !

So far, we have launched the 50 YEARS of HYMEKS range and a configurable HYMEK and WESTERN range, and we now have the new design for the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ featuring two locos side by side, one in green livery and the other in blue (both in blue is also an option).

New design for the DEPG Class 33 ‘Cromptons’. Click here to place your order !

We hope to have a new design for the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ soon, probably becoming available in November. Here’s a review of what is on offer and available to order NOW via our website:

Polo shirt in Black with 50 YEARS of HYMEKS logo	Polo shirt in Royal Blue with D7018 in blue FYE and D1010 in maroon SYP
Polo shirt in Burgundy with 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ logo	Polo shirt in Seal Grey with D7017 in green SYP and D1010 in maroon SYP
T-shirt with D7018 and D1010 design (this type of printing is only available on a T-shirt)	Sweatshirt with D7018 in blue FYE and D1010 in maroon SYP

The range of colours has now been expanded and the range of sizes now includes LADIES SIZES. Please let us know via our CONTACT FORM if the colour and size combination that you want is not showing as an option online.

The new designs are available in the following garment types, some of which have not yet been added to our website, so again please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know what you want. Here are the prices:

Although the prices of the new range are higher than before, the prices are competitive and are in line with the quality of the garments. These are really nice pieces of work and the ability to personalise your choice is another definite advantage.

We look forward to receiving your order, the profits from which will directly support the DEPG !

ON SHED – the photo by Andy Galpin showing Class 47 1677 ‘THOR’ (47091, 47647, 47846 then 57308 ‘TIN TIN’) at Crewe Works being prepared for a refresh to at least one of her ‘Full Yellow Ends’ (even though her two-tone green paintwork remained in a heavily faded condition) continues to generate responses, but we are still unclear as to what was being done and why.

The booklet ‘Class 47 Data File – Part 5B D1660-D1681‘ by R.P. Levett and P.M Jacques states that 47091 (1677) was the last of the ‘WR namers’ to go into blue livery, as late as September 1975 !

Here’s some feedback from DEPG volunteer Jon Tooke:

     “the bogies have either been sprayed over in black or they are a set of reconditioned ones but the fuel tanks and the battery boxes have yet to be painted, plus the roof and the cab look very shiny in a coat of black as some of the class received back in the day. The bufferbeam has been freshly painted into Signal Red colour and the covering on the buffers is evidence of this. The cocks on the ends of the air pipes have been painted red too, the yellow ends waiting to be done. The papers stuck to the side of the loco are possibly work orders (similar to the ones you send us on a regular basis!) relating to what work is required on the loco. The cab door has (probably) been painted yellow first and left ajar to stop the paint from drying hard and stopping the door from ever opening again!”

Class 47 1677 ‘THOR’ (47091, 47647, 47846 and then 57308 ‘TIN TIN’) was pictured in Crewe Works on 23rd July 1972 while receiving a refresh to her ‘full yellow ends’ with red buffer beam and a black roof – but curiously remaining in her faded two-tone green livery. Does anyone know why this piece of selective re-painting was carried out ? Photo by Andy Galpin © CC BY-NC 3.0

NEW BOOKS ON SALE

The FIFTH volume of ‘THE BEATEN TRACK’ by ANDY CHARD continues to sell well, as does the excellent ‘The Railways of SOUTH WALES 1975-1995‘ trilogy by Michael Rhodes, the latest release being PART 3 which is in stock at Williton now.

We have run out of time to update this feature this week but the next roundup will include information about a new release that will be of interest to crews and followers of the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’. Watch this space !

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

The DEPG 2026 A3 CALENDAR is available for sale and the recent uptick in shipments has prompted us to include it in the roundup ! Click here or on the following image to see a mini-presentation that steps through each page and gives the flavour of the contents. MANY THANKS to all of the photographers who donated their work for the benefit of the DEPG !

DEPG NEWS: the work of the infrastructure team often goes unseen and unsung, but not unappreciated. Here are some photos of tasks that were completed during the last weekend. Many thanks to Graham and Paul for their work on improving the facilities and amenities at Williton.

The DEPG is a charity and is run entirely by volunteers, many of whom give both their time and their money to the continuance of work on the locos in the DEPG fleet. If you have been enjoying the roundup for free, have you considered joining us for just £1 a month ? You can then add your name to all of those helping out on the above projects and play your part in the future of our locos for a lot less than the price of a cup of coffee!

JOIN US using whichever membership class is appropriate for your situation and means. CLICK HERE or on the image below or use the QR code to get the details.

If you would like to go one step further and come along to help with the work on the locos in our fleet, then please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know that you would like to volunteer and we will respond with more details.

We look forward to hearing from you !

Go to the previous Roundup post