The twin Napier ‘Deltic’ engines of D9009 (55009) ‘ALYCIDON’ roar as she puts her combined 3,300 hp into an assault on Stormy Bank near Bridgend on the South Wales Main Line while hauling ‘THE WELSH CENTRAL LINER’ from Burton-on-Trent to Shrewsbury. Pictured on 17th June 2017 by Kelvin Lumb © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The 2023 SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL will take place on the WSR on Thursday 8th June through to Saturday 10th June and the headliner will be ‘DELTIC’ 55 009 ‘ALYCIDON’, one of the legendary East Coast ‘racehorses‘ that revolutionised express passenger services between London, Newcastle and Edinburgh in the early 1960s. With their awesome power and 100 mph top speed, these locomotives led the field right through to the HST 125 mph era in the early 1980s. Of the 22 locomotives that were built, a total of six have been saved, which is in itself a tribute to their well-deserved popularity. In addition, the prototype DP1 ‘DELTIC’ that first ran in 1955 has also been preserved and is part of the National Collection.

 

Being main line registered, ‘ALYCIDON’ will be arriving by rail and will be in the company of English Electric Class 50 50 008 ‘THUNDERER’. Both locos will make their way to Minehead on Wednesday 7th June where they will separate in readiness for their gala duties the following day. Class 50 ‘THUNDERER’ is in the unique livery of owners HANSON and HALL and is still a working loco, often seen out and about on the mainline performing a range of duties, even though she is in her 55th year of service. Unusually for the class, this loco is not fitted with vacuum brake equipment so she is unable to haul the WSR coaching stock without a dual-braked (air and vacuum) ‘translator’ locomotive coupled between her and the train. This introduces some complexities in terms of loco allocation and positioning, so it is keeping the planning team busy !

 

A very welcome late addition to the gala line up is Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9551, a loco that has close links with the WSR and DEPG, having started its life in preservation in 1981 by being based at Williton before moving to Minehead and then eventually to the Severn Valley Railway. Together with our own D9526, these two locos will provide a fitting tribute to the late SIMON PURVIS and will carry a wreath and headboard when running at the gala. MANY THANKS to the owning group and to a DEPG member for supporting the financial cost of bringing D9551 to the WSR as a mark of respect for Simon.

 

The above announcements add to the previously-announced visits of Class 33 33 002 (D6501) ‘SEA KING’, courtesy of South Devon Diesel Traction and Class 25 D7659 (25309, 25909), courtesy of the Waterman Trust and Peak Rail. The grey livery of ‘Sea King’ will stand out amongst our green home-based ‘Cromptons’ D6566 (33 048) and D6575 (33 057) and will offer a rare occasion to see three class members working together on one railway. The green ’25’ will be staying at the WSR for a few weeks after the gala and will be in use on Sunday 11th June and Saturday/Sunday 24/25th June when she will be working the 10:00 Minehead diagram under the BLUE timetable.

 

In summary, the WSR’s 2023 ‘SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL’ is now going to be blessed with FIVE visiting locomotives with a combined total of more than 9,000 hp, four of whom will be making their first ever visit to the WSR. This is going to be an AMAZING event so GET YOUR TICKETS NOW and enjoy the early discount. Here’s the list of visiting locos:

Class 25 D7659 (25309, 25909) courtesy of the Waterman Trust and Peak Rail	Class 33  33002 ‘Sea King’ (D6501) courtesy of South Devon Diesel Traction (SDDT)
Class 55 55009 ‘ALYCIDON’ courtesy of the Deltic Preservation Society	Class 50 50008 (D408) ‘Thunderer’ courtesy of Hanson and Hall
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9551 courtesy of the SVR Class 14 Company	TIMETABLE INFO: See our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for links to the updated timetable pages.

 

Click here or on the ticket image below to get more details and/or buy a ticket. Hope to see you at the WSR for what is shaping up to be an excellent event !

 

The BLUE timetable runs throughout May, featuring diesel haulage each weekend, with Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 working on 20/21st May and Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 working on 27/28/29th May and again the following weekend. For details of planned DIESEL-HAULED public services, see the DIESEL RUNNING DATES page on our website.

 

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the priority being given to getting the ‘Hymeks’ ready for service resulted in some depletion of resources last week and will probably continue to impact for the next week or two, but progress was still made with Ian F busy on the ‘B’ bodyside and Gordon working on the sandbox doors and fittings. The ‘transmission team’ kept up the pace and are now very close to completing their work on the ‘B’ transmission. Here are some photos:

D1010 – the top casing that secures the input shaft and the auxilliary shaft was guided into place by Tim at Williton on Tuesday 9th May 2023. This completed the re-installation of all of the shafts. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the reverser assembly was re-fitted to the main casing at Williton on Wednesday 10th May 2023, leaving only the oil pumps and governors to be re-fitted before the job can be considered as completed. We are getting close ! Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

To continue our rate of progress requires FUNDING and we give our thanks to everyone who has supported D1010 by sponsoring or donating during these difficult times. If you are able to do so, please SPONSOR A PATCH because there is plenty of recently-added metal that still needs engraving. Photographs and certificates of sponsorship will be sent out to all who have sponsored this phase of the restoration work, and we are applying more resources to catch up with this obligation and deliver the documents. Click the image below to sponsor a patch. Thank you in advance for your support !

See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details. We still have a lot of work to do on this massive locomotive, so PLEASE DO COME ALONG AND HELP IF YOU CAN !

 

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – the repaint of this loco is approaching completion at WSR Restorations in the Swindon Shed at Williton, where Harry has been busy preparing the surfaces and applying many coats of paint to build up a smooth and durable finish. The work has progressed to the bogies and underframe, so the end is in sight and the loco will be rolled out in good time for the gala.

The repaint of Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) is edging closer to completion at WSR Restorations, with the remaining work confined to detailing and re-fitting of grilles and covers. Pictured at Williton on 10th May 2023 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is stabled at Minehead and was in use for the BLUE timetable duties on Saturday and Sunday 13/14th May. The coming weekend will be a ‘Hymek’ duty and one of the ‘Cromptons’ will be back in use for the Bank Holiday weekend.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – the Maybach MD870 engine was run for two hours on Saturday 13th May so that a full inspection and test of the locomotive could take place in advance of her next rostered duties on Saturday and Sunday 20/21st May under the BLUE timetable. See our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for information about this season’s diesel-hauled services.

Everything went well, so the loco was also subjected to a thorough clean-up so that she looks the part and is able to stay at Minehead after her weekend of work, to be in position for her diesel gala duties.

D7017 – with the benefit of the fine weather on Saturday 13th May 2023, the loco received detailed attention from a team comprised of Pat, Natalie, Andy R and Bob, the latter obviously enjoying his work as he restored the shine as part of a thorough clean-up, both internal and external. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) was hauling the last train of the day towards Minehead on Saturday 13th May 2023 when this picture was taken, showing D7017 ready for her duties on the weekend of 20/21st May, with Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 and sister ‘Hymek’ D7018 behind. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – with the work completed on sister D7017, this loco is now the number 1 priority task as we prepare for the Diesel Gala on June 8th through 10th. The reverser trouble will be dealt with during the coming weekend and the loco will be treated to a thorough clean and a polish, to bring back her shine. The air leak under ‘A’ cab has been dealt with, but another has been detected and will receive attention during the coming week. These are not show-stopping issues and we are expecting this loco to be available in time for the gala.

D7018 – the problematic leaking air pipe beneath the cab floor was silenced on Wednesday 10th May 2023, but not before it had presented some difficulty due to the access being extremely limited. Just the kind of job for Natalie, in fact. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work continued in multiple areas, with Colin G and John making progress on the electrical control cubicle while Tony completed the re-skinning of both nose-end doors at the ‘B’ end (short end). Meanwhile, Terry and Nick continued their work on the brake rigging.

D9518 – the electrical control cubicle has been transformed by the careful restoration being carried out by Colin G and John at Williton. Pictured with a bit of help from Mike E and Colin G on Saturday 13th May 2023. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the colour scheme for the electrical control cubicle is grey outside and cream inside, and it looks GOOD ! Pictured at Williton on Saturday 13th May 2023 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the progress on the electrical control cubicle, viewed from the rear at Williton on Saturday 13th May 2023. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the nose-end doors at ‘B’ end have been expertly re-skinned by Tony and are now ready for priming and painting. Pictured at Williton on 10th May 2023 by Anthony Austin © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

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

 

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is fully serviceable and ready for use in the forthcoming SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL, during which she will carry a headboard and wreath in memory of volunteer Class 14 loco manager, the late Simon Purvis.

 

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is now back in regular use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and is performing well, covering 432 miles in April. We hope to include details of her exploits in a future roundup.

 

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this loco is in full working order and is stabled in the South Yard, ready for action. We hope to apply her cabside lettering during the coming weeks to complete her ‘1972 makeover’.

 

 

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 !

 

 

BOOK REVIEW – we will need to skip this feature again this week due to having so many other items to cover (it’s a nice problem to have).

 

ON SHED – last week, we covered a number of events that took place on 6th May, but we missed reporting on one other anniversary that further highlighted the scandalous waste of public money that took place FIFTY YEARS AGO. On the 6th May 1973, in addition to the wiping out of half of the remaining ‘Hymek’ fleet, the first two Class 52 ‘Westerns’ were sent for scrap as a result of the policy of eradication of diesel-hydraulic types.

The first to go was D1032 ‘WESTERN MARKSMAN’ a Crewe-built loco that entered service in January 1964 and had the misfortune to require an overhaul nine years later, in January of 1973 – an overhaul for which there was no budget and no spare parts, so the loco was dumped out of use at Laira Depot (Plymouth) and was robbed for spares to keep other classmates going. Formal withdrawal came on the 6th May 1973, a fate that also befell D1019 ‘WESTERN CHALLENGER’. Not only was the writing on the wall, but it was crystal clear. The last of the ‘Westerns’ clung on against all odds for another four years until February 1977, and happily seven of the total of 74 were saved, including our own D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’.

Many thanks to John Kite for bringing this event to our attention.

Class 52 ‘Western’ D1032 ‘WESTERN MARKSMAN’ was certainly still capable of ‘doing her thing’ when pictured departing from Exeter St. Davids station with an express for Penzance. This loco was written off as obsolete due to being non-standard after only nine years in service. Photo by Barry Gay © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

 

DEPG NEWS – the synopsis of the Board Meeting that was held at Williton on Saturday 22nd April will be shared via a separate email and will be sent out to all DEPG members for whom we hold a valid email address. Apologies for the delay.

 

 

The DEPG depends on the support of all of our members so please make sure that your membership is up to date. If you are not sure about your membership status, please click here or on the image below to access your membership record via MEMBERMOJO.

 

KEY DATES for your diary:

WSR SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL: Thursday 8th through Saturday 10th June 2023

DEPG 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS : Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd September 2023.

 

Go to previous Weekly Roundup post

 

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) was in use throughout the Bank Holiday weekend, pictured at Nethercott while hauling the 1635 service from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead on Sunday 7th. Photo by Bernard Bates © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Just before the coronation of King Charles III on Saturday 6th May 2023, our yard fell silent for one minute as a mark of respect for our much-loved fellow volunteer SIMON PURVIS who passed away on Friday 28th April at the age of 61. We were privileged to have the company of Simon’s wife, son and daughter at Williton as we gathered around Class 14 D9518 so that DEPG Chairman Martin Howard could address those present. Martin’s comments were heartfelt and echoed those of so many who have responded to our social media post, and Martin gave a committment to ensure that D9518 would be completed in Simon’s memory.

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) had arrived from Minehead and was at the platform at Williton waiting to pass the train that was due in from Bishops Lydeard, but an issue with the token release meant a delay was inevitable, so the STOP button was pressed by driver Neil Collyer and the 8-cylinder Sulzer also fell silent at that important moment.

 

Separately, we were also reminded that on this same date 50 years previous, our Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 had been withdrawn from traffic as a step toward the rundown of the ‘Hymek’ fleet. Luckily, she was reprieved because of a misfortune that affected a sister loco. DEPG founder member Clive Burrows provides us with the following information: 

   “As well as the King’s Coronation, the 6th of May 2023 will mark the 50^th anniversary of D7017 being withdrawn from service at Old Oak Common, together with half* the fleet of operational Hymeks that were still in service on that day.  The future for D7017 looked very bleak until D7031 was withdrawn five days later with a transmission defect and D7017 was reinstated on 11th May 1973 to become one of the ten surviving Hymeks.  D7031’s last duty was to tow D7018 back to Old Oak Common from Worcester on 8th May 1973.  D7031’s fate was to be broken up at Swindon Works in September 1975, but the outcome for both D7017 and D7031 could have been very different had it not been for that transmission failure at such a critical time, ironically when D7031 was assisting D7018 home to Old Oak Common!  Fortunately for us, D7017 continued in service from 11th May 1973 until its second and final withdrawal from service on 13th March 1975, five days before D7018 brought the curtain down on main line Hymek operations.”

 

   *D7017, D7023, D7030, D7032, D7044, D7075, D7076, D7089, & D7093 (D7055 had been taken out of service on 16-Apr-73 after failing at Basingstoke on 08-Apr-73 when working the diverted 1O68 10:40 Cardiff-Portsmouth service – D7055 had been scheduled to be the tenth Hymek to be withdrawn at the start of the Summer timetable on 06-May-73. This is when all the Bristol based Portsmouth-Cardiff and Bristol-Weymouth services were handed over to WR DMMU and SR DEMU operation).

 

Many thanks to Clive for reminding us of the history of the ‘Hymeks’ and particularly of D7017.

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7093 was also withdrawn from service on 6th May 1973 and also had another lease of life when reinstated in August of that year due to a motive power shortage. This loco was not as lucky as our D7017 and was withdrawn again in November 1974 and sent to the scrapyard. Pictured at work in Bristol during August 1974 by Gary Lemon © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Yet another happening on the 6th of May was the 60th birthday of the Western Locomotive Association’s (WLA’s) Class 52 D1062 ‘WESTERN COURIER’, and the loco was out and about on the Severn Valley Railway, performing faultlessly on both the Saturday and Sunday, making five round trips in total. Congratulations to D1062 and the WLA for getting the loco ready in time for her birthday celebrations.

Class 52 D1062 ‘WESTERN COURIER’ was celebrating her 60th birthday in real style on Saturday 6th May by working hard on the Severn Valley Railway ! Both the Saturday and Sunday featured ‘Western’ haulage with both D1062 and D1015 ‘WESTERN CHAMPION’ in use. Photo taken at Arley on Sunday 7th May 2023 by Peter Bamber © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Back on the WSR, the BLUE timetable runs throughout May, featuring diesel haulage each weekend, with Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 working on 13/14th May and Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 working on 20/21st May For details of planned DIESEL-HAULED public services, see the DIESEL RUNNING DATES page on our website.

 

 

STOP PRESS !!!!

Just before releasing this edition of roundup, we have been advised that the WSR’s ‘SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL’ is now going to be blessed with FOUR visiting locomotives with a combined total of almost 9,000 hp, all of whom will be making their first ever visit to the WSR. This is going to be an AMAZING event so GET YOUR TICKETS NOW and enjoy the early discount. Here’s the list of visiting locos:

Class 25 D7659 (25309, 25909) courtesy of the Waterman Trust and Peak Rail	Class 33  33002 ‘Sea King’ (D6501) courtesy of South Devon Diesel Traction (SDDT)
Class 55 55009 (D9009) ‘ALYCIDON’ courtesy of the Deltic Preservation Society	Class 50 50008 (D408) ‘Thunderer’ courtesy of Hanson and Hall
UPDATE – Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9551 will also be attending – see the more recent Roundup posts for details. Click here to view the latest Roundup.	TIMETABLE INFO: See our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for links to the updated timetable pages.

 

Click here or on the ticket image below to get the details and/or buy a ticket. Hope to see you at the WSR for what is shaping up to be an excellent event !

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the pace picked up again with work taking place in multiple areas as we try to keep to schedule. So far so good, but challenges are coming and we need to plan carefully to achieve the most at the minimum expense (which is not an easy task!). Gordon and Leroy completed their work on the preparations for the removal of the ‘A’ cooler group and stowed the radiator elements from the ‘B’ end awaiting pressure testing and repair as required.

The transmission team stormed ahead with the re-installation of some major sub-assemblies. Only the peripherals remain to be re-installed after this, so this activity is definitely running to plan. Here are some photos:

D1010 – replacement oil seals were fitted to the ‘B’ transmission casing at Williton on Tuesday 2nd May 2023. These seals are essential to prevent leakage of the hydraulic fluid that is not only used for power transmission, but also for lubrication and control purposes. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the upper section of the ‘B’ transmission casing was lowered onto the centre section at Williton on Wednesday 3rd May 2023, bringing together the major parts that had been separated when work first started, back in 2019. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the upper section of the ‘B’ transmission casing was bolted to the centre section and all of the bolts tightened to the defined torque setting by Geoff at Williton on Wednesday 3rd May 2023. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

To continue our rate of progress requires FUNDING and we give our thanks to everyone who has supported D1010 by sponsoring or donating during these difficult times. If you are able to do so, please SPONSOR A PATCH because there is plenty of recently-added metal that still needs engraving. Photographs and certificates of sponsorship will be sent out to all who have sponsored this phase of the restoration work, and we are applying more resources to catch up with this obligation and deliver the documents. Click the image below to sponsor a patch. Thank you in advance for your support !

See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details. We still have a lot of work to do on this massive locomotive, so PLEASE DO COME ALONG AND HELP IF YOU CAN !

 

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is getting closer to completion in the Swindon Shed at Williton where she is undergoing a paintwork refresh in the hands of WSR Restorations. Sister loco D6575 (33 057) was used as source of key information to help make sure that the transfers get fitted in the correct positions.

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) provided essential measurement information when she called at Williton on Saturday 6th May 2023 on her way back to Minehead. Harry took the measurements and Terry recorded them, for subsequent use when applying the transfers to sister loco D6566 (33 048). Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is stabled at Minehead in between periods of use and will be back at work this coming weekend, performing her BLUE timetable duties on Saturday and Sunday 13/14th May.

 

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is ready for action, her next rostered duties being on Saturday and Sunday 20/21st May under the BLUE timetable. See our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for information about this season’s diesel-hauled services.

 

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco has now become the priority task and the efforts of several teams rounded on her during the week as we work towards the Diesel Gala on June 8th through 10th. The engine started easily and was run for a while on Saturday 6th May. The reverser trouble has been narrowed down to a mechanical adjustment and the work on this will take place during this coming weekend. An unexpected and annoying issue was an air leak that developed on a steel pipe that runs under the cab floor and among a maze of other pipes and conduits. This was an ideal job for the smaller members of our team, so Natalie go the job !

D7018 – on Saturday 6th May 2023, attention had to be given to a leaking air pipe beneath the cab floor where access was extremely limited, so Andy R and Natalie volunteered for the job. And yes, Natalie is in there somewhere ! Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work resumed on the control cubicle and on the cab components that are going to be needed at a later stage. In parallel, Tony continued his work on the re-fabrication of the nose end doors (more on that next week) while Terry and Nick worked on the brake rigging.

D9518 – the electrical control cubicle received a coat of grey gloss from Colin G at Williton on Saturday 6th May 2023. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the electrical control cubicle doors also received a coat of grey gloss from Colin G at Williton on Saturday 6th May 2023. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – one of the two horn enclosures underwent dent removal and restoration in the careful hands of Andy P at Williton on Saturday 6th May 2023. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

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

 

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is fully serviceable and ready for use as soon as suitable opportunities arise. We hope to be able to use this loco on a WSR service train in the near future.

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is now back in regular use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and is performing well. We hope to include details of her exploits in a future roundup.

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this loco is in full working order and is stabled in the South Yard, ready for action. We hope to apply her cabside lettering during the coming weeks to complete her ‘1972 makeover’.

 

 

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 !

 

 

BOOK REVIEW – we will need to skip this feature again this week due to having so many other items to cover (it’s a nice problem to have).

 

 

ON SHED – a surprise feature this week, because we were advised that one of our supporters had been sampling haulage from 7017 and 7018 so we couldn’t resist asking more questions. Here’s the reply that we received from Des Langham:

   “I am currently in Oz, and was visiting friends on the Stony Point line.  On arrival I saw 7017 was one of the units for my service, went for a coffee and saw they had attached 7018, so I had 7018 and 7017 for haulage from Frankston to Bittern, sadly Sprinters and not Hymeks.  Photos of the pairing attached:

Diesel-hydraulic ‘Sprinter’ 7017 was waiting in the platform at Frankston, Australia, to form the 1256 Frankston to Stony Point service on Wednesday 26th April 2023. Photo by Des Langham © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Diesel-hydraulic ‘Sprinter’ 7017 is coupled up to 7018 to form the 1256 Frankston to Stony Point service on Wednesday 26th April 2023. Photo by Des Langham © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Some more details:

   The Sprinters were built in New South Wales by Goninan in the mid 1990s for V Line, the Victorian regional rail operator.  22 single car sprinters were built, and numbered 7001-7022.  Today they are used on only one V Line route from Melbourne Southern Cross to Seymour, typically in two to four car formations.  However, two Sprinters are hired by (Melbourne) Metro to operate their diesel-only section, from Frankston to Stony Point (on the Mornington Peninsular), EMU connections running at 10 minute intervals from Melbourne.  Operating with Metro crew and in either one or two car formation depending on demand, 10 services operate Monday to Thursday, 12 services on Friday, 8 on Saturday and 7 on Sunday.  Sprinters are swapped out for routine maintenance twice per week, running ECS from Melbourne to Frankston. 

   On Wednesday 26 April, upon arrival at Frankston from Melbourne, 7017 was observed in the platform for the next Stony Point service.  Never risking the last booked connection (just 2 minutes!), there was time to get a coffee at Frankston, upon returning, it was amusing to find that DEPG’s other Hymek, 7018, had arrived with the 1209 service from Stony Point, and had coupled up with 7017 to form the 1256 Frankston – Stony Point.  If I have calculated correctly, finding 7017 and 7018 working on the Stony Point line is a 1 in 210 times chance!

   Latest rumours are the Sprinters have a further 20 year in service.  V Line currently has a fleet of 25 N class locomotives (similar to Irish Rail Class 071), but usage is gradually reducing with new Velocity DMUs being introduced.  As of April 2023, 16 weekday loco hauled departures leave Melbourne Southern Cross on four routes.  It is envisaged that V Line will replace their loco hauled services in 2024-2025, and new driver training has thus stopped on the N class.”

 

Many thanks to Des for providing this information and for sharing his interesting experience with us all.

Diesel-hydraulic ‘Sprinter’ 7018 leads 7017 out from Bittern, Australia, on the 1256 Frankston to Stony Point service on Wednesday 26th April 2023. Photo by Des Langham © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

DEPG NEWS – the synopsis of the Board Meeting that was held at Williton on Saturday 22nd April is being prepared and will be shared ASAP with all DEPG members for whom we hold a valid email address. Apologies for the delay.

 

The DEPG depends on the support of all of our members so please make sure that your membership is up to date. If you are not sure about your membership status, please click here or on the image below to access your membership record via MEMBERMOJO.

 

 

KEY DATES for your diary:

WSR SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL: Thursday 8th through Saturday 10th June 2023

DEPG 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS : Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd September 2023.

 

Go to previous Weekly Roundup post

From left to right, rebuilt ‘West Country’ class 4-6-2 2C127 (34027) ‘TAW VALLEY’ stands at Platform 1 of Williton Station with the ‘ATLANTIC COAST EXPRESS’ to Minehead. Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 was open to visitors in the South Yard along with Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 and Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 (ROF 1). Pictured on Saturday 29th April 2023 by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The WSR’s highly successful SPRING STEAM SPECTACULAR event ran from Friday 28th April through to Monday 1st May and pulled in the crowds to ride behind the interesting and varied mix of locomotives that ran to an intensive timetable. Additional interest was provided in the form of ‘local’ passenger trains running between Norton Fitzwarren and Williton, and goods trains featuring brake van rides along the length of the line. All of the locos performed well and the weather also co-operated for three of the four days with the Sunday being wet in the morning, although that didn’t seem to dent the patronage.

 

The DEPG depot was OPEN FOR VISITORS on each day of the gala, allowing close-up viewing of our two major restoration projects D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ and Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 along with the four locos in the yard, namely ‘Hymeks’ D7017 and D7018, ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 and Barclay 578 (ROF 1). Our volunteers were on hand to guide the visitors and spread the word about our efforts to preserve our fleet and operate them on the WSR and further afield.

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 was pictured in the South Yard at Williton on Saturday 29th April 2023, with Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 alongside but on slightly higher ground. Luckily, the weather was good for three of the four days of the ‘Spring Steam Spectacular’ event. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Also in the loco shed on each of the four days of the gala, we hosted ROD’S MODEL RAILWAY SALES stand along with our own DEPG sales stand, and both were happy with their results after the four-plus days of effort, so MANY THANKS to all who visited and all who supported, and most of all, to all of the volunteers of the many groups who gave up significant amounts of their time to make it possible.

Williton Loco Shed was the venue for Rod’s Model Railway Sales stand and for our own DEPG Sales Stand for each day of the Spring Steam Spectacular event. Chris covered the sales stand on the Saturday and again on Sunday. Pictured on 29th April 2023 by Mark Ireland © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The BLUE timetable returns after the gala and runs throughout May, featuring diesel haulage each weekend, initially with Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 and later with Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017. For details of planned DIESEL-HAULED public services, see the DIESEL RUNNING DATES page on our website.

 

SIMON PURVIS 1961-2023 RIP

On Friday 28th April we learned of the very sad loss of well-loved DEPG volunteer and Class 14 team leader SIMON PURVIS after a brief period of illness. Having joined the DEPG back in the 1980s, Simon quickly gained his reputation as both a diesel locomotive expert and a great team leader because of his massive breadth of knowledge, his good nature and his famously cheery attitude. We recall his involvement with so many of our locomotives, not just his favourite ‘Teddy Bears’, because he would lend a hand on any task that needed to be done. He would provide advice and guidance to new and experienced volunteers to help them work safely and efficiently, calling upon his mainline railway engineering experience and passing it on to his DEPG colleagues.

He will be sorely missed and we send our heartfelt condolences to his family and to all of his friends and colleagues who will no doubt be feeling his loss.

Simon was camera-shy and we have had to search to find some photographs of him, often snapped by calling him and making him look around. Each photo features his legendary ‘tash’ …

The late Simon Purvis was reluctantly pictured while lending a hand on Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 at Williton on Saturday 13th August 2022, with fellow volunteers Leroy and Terry unable to keep a straight face alongside. Photo by Mike Evans © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The late Simon Purvis, thoroughly immersed in his work on Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 at Williton on Saturday 15th October 2022. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The late Simon Purvis, hard at work on the brake frame of Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 at Williton on Saturday 26th November 2022. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The late Simon Purvis, caught on film while working on the standstill detector valve of Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 at Williton on Saturday 28th January 2023. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Rest in peace, Simon, we will all miss you.

 

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the ‘open depot’ event impacted on weekend activities but some excellent progress was made on the transmission, and Karl even managed to get some more painting done on the battery compartment doors on ‘A’ side while keeping clear of the visiting public. Here are some photos:

D1010 – a milestone achievement – the turbine rail and reverser shaft were re-installed in the ‘B’ transmission casing at Williton on Tuesday 25th April 2023. Congratulations to Colin F, Geoff and Tim (pictured) for making such good and steady progress with this complex task. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the upper section of the ‘B’ transmission casing was inverted to allow the re-installation of the many pipes and seals, these tasks demanding great care and a very careful and systematic approach to the work. Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 25th April 2023 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – activities in the main loco shed were restricted over the weekend because of the ‘open depot’ but volunteer and trainee secondman Karl was still able to make progress with one of the battery compartment doors. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 29th April 2023 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

To continue our rate of progress requires FUNDING and we give our thanks to everyone who has supported D1010 by sponsoring or donating during these difficult times. If you are able to do so, please SPONSOR A PATCH because there is plenty of recently-added metal that still needs engraving. Photographs and certificates of sponsorship will be sent out to all who have sponsored this phase of the restoration work, and we are applying more resources to catch up with this obligation and deliver the documents. Click the image below to sponsor a patch. Thank you in advance for your support !

See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details. We still have a lot of work to do on this massive locomotive, so PLEASE DO COME ALONG AND HELP IF YOU CAN !

 

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is still hiding inside the paint tunnel in the Swindon Shed at Williton where she is undergoing a paintwork refresh in the hands of WSR Restorations. We hope to see the loco emerge resplendent some time during the next week or so.

The repaint of Class 33 ‘Crompton D6566 (33 048) was progressing well when pictured in the paint tunnel at WSR Restorations Williton on 2nd May 2023. Photo by Harry Spencer © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is stabled at Minehead in readiness to take up her BLUE timetable duties on Saturday, Sunday and Monday 6/7/8th May.

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) was stabled at Minehead over the weekend in a line of diesel locomotives that included Barclay 0-4-0DH 579 (ROF 2) just visible on the left and Class 03 D2133 on the right. Pictured on Saturday 29th April 2023 by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco has been confirmed as OK to take up duties subject to the usual inspection checks, her next rostered duties being on Saturday and Sunday 20/21st May under the BLUE timetable. See our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for information about this season’s diesel-hauled services.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – Neil and John made progress on the task list on this loco on Saturday 29th April and more resources will be brought to bear during this coming weekend. This loco is therefore expected to be available in good time for the Diesel Gala on June 8th through 10th.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – the weekend was spent showing the restoration progress to the visiting public, but Tony had been at work during the previous week and had completed one of the four end doors that needed to be re-kinned due to corrosion. He will be continuing with his restoration work on the other three doors during the coming weeks.

D9518 – one of the nose-end doors at ‘B’ end has been completely re-skinned by Tony and is now ready for priming and painting. Another job well done! Pictured at Williton on Saturday 29th April 2023 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

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

 

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is fully serviceable and ready for use as soon as suitable opportunities arise. We hope to be able to use this loco on a WSR service train in the near future.

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is now back in regular use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and is performing well. We hope to include details of her exploits in a future roundup.

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this loco is in full working order and is stabled in the South Yard, ready for action. We hope to apply her cabside lettering during the coming weeks to complete her ‘1972 makeover’.

 

 

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 !

 

 

BOOK REVIEW – we will skip this feature this week due to other priorities.

 

ON SHED – the Western Locomotive Association’s (WLA’s) 1963 Crewe-built ‘Thousand’ D1062 ‘WESTERN COURIER’ was exercised in the yard at Kidderminster on the Severn Valley Railway on Monday 1st May and is expected to be ready for service in time for her birthday event this coming Saturday, 6th May and her rostered running on both the Saturday and Sunday. We wish her a very happy 60th birthday !

Class 52 D1062 ‘WESTERN COURIER’ was pictured while exercising in the yard at Kidderminster on Monday 1st May 2023 in readiness for her rostered turns this coming weekend. This gleaming loco will celebrate her 60th birthday on Saturday 6th May. Photo by Paul Finch © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

 

DEPG NEWS – a Board Meeting was held at Williton on Saturday 22nd April, and a synopsis is being prepared and will be shared ASAP with all DEPG members for whom we hold a valid email address.

 

The DEPG depends on the support of all of our members so please make sure that your membership is up to date. If you are not sure about your membership status, please click here or on the image below to access your membership record via MEMBERMOJO.

 

KEY DATES for your diary:

WSR SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL: Thursday 8th through Saturday 10th June 2023

DEPG 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS : Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd September 2023.

 

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Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 was in use on Saturday 22nd April 2023, shunting the South Yard at Williton to re-position a well wagon loaded with carriage axles so that it could be easily attached to an Empty Coaching Stock (ECS) train destined for Minehead. Photo by Harry Spencer © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Last weekend, preparations were being made for the SPRING STEAM SPECTACULAR event that starts on Friday 28th April and runs right through to Monday 1st May, featuring an intensive timetable (click here for the timetable) based on the home fleet plus several high-profile visitors including the unique GWR 4-6-0 ‘Saint’ 2999 ‘LADY of LEGEND’ plus GWR 4-6-0 ‘Manor’ 7812 ‘ERLESTOKE MANOR’ and SR 4-6-2 ‘Rebuilt West Country’ 34072 (21C127) ‘TAW VALLEY’. This high-profile collection will be augmented by BR(W) Class 9400 0-6-0 Pannier Tank 9466 which was outshopped from WSR Restorations on Saturday 22nd April and hauled the ECS working from Williton to Minehead. Taken altogether, this has the feel of a great steam gala and we hope for some good weather to help make it the commercial success it deserves to be.

 

The DEPG depot will be OPEN FOR VISITORS on each day of the gala, allowing close-up viewing of our two major restoration projects D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ and Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 along with the four locos in the yard, namely ‘Hymeks’ D7017 and D7018, ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 and Barclay 578 (ROF 1).

In the loco shed on each of the four days of the gala will be ROD’S MODEL RAILWAY SALES stand along with our own DEPG sales stand, so please come along and visit us if you can. You don’t have to buy anything, but it helps us pay our bills if you do.

   

 

The BLUE timetable returns after the gala and runs throughout May, featuring diesel haulage each weekend, initially with Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 and later with Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017. For details of planned DIESEL-HAULED public services, click on the banner below to go to the DIESEL RUNNING DATES page.

 

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the team are marching forward on several fronts as we tackle the work list on this giant locomotive. Some of the work is highly specialised and therefore dependent on some of our experienced volunteers, but most of the work just requires ‘common sense’ and we welcome more volunteers to join this team and get the work done as soon possible. The timeline further below shows how much there is to do and we want to be ahead of the game, not playing catch-up, so please CONTACT US and arrange for a volunteering taster day.

D1010 – the input shaft assembly was the target of the ‘transmission team’ at Williton on Monday 17th April 2023. The length of the input shaft is apparent from this view, showing the overhead crane being used to stabilise the assembly while preparing to press the lower bearing race into position. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the timeline for this restoration project has been published in the DEPG Spring 2023 Newsletter that has been sent to all registered DEPG members. The narrative that goes with this timeline will be published on our website ASAP and covered in a future roundup. DEPG © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

To continue our rate of progress requires FUNDING and we give our thanks to everyone who has supported D1010 by sponsoring or donating during these difficult times. If you are able to do so, please SPONSOR A PATCH because there is plenty of recently-added metal that still needs engraving. Photographs and certificates of sponsorship will be sent out to all who have sponsored this phase of the restoration work, and we are applying more resources to catch up with this obligation and deliver the documents. Click the image below to sponsor a patch. Thank you in advance for your support !

See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details. We still have a lot of work to do on this massive locomotive, so PLEASE DO COME ALONG AND HELP IF YOU CAN !

 

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is now inside the paint tunnel in the Swindon Shed at Williton for a paintwork refresh in the hands of WSR Restorations. The photos below show the progress that is being made by Harry and the team, and the quality of the work is evident:

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) was pictured in the WSR Restorations paint tunnel in the Swindon Shed, Williton on 15th April 2023 as she cast off her old paint in readiness for her new paint. Photo by Harry Spencer © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) was pictured in the WSR Restorations paint tunnel in the Swindon Shed, Williton on 24th April 2023, now carrying gloss yellow and cream (‘Swanage Sand’, actually). Photo by Harry Spencer © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is on standby in case she is needed during the steam gala (hopefully not), and will next be working her BLUE timetable duties on Saturday, Sunday and Monday 6/7/8th May.

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) stepped in to cover for GWR 2-6-2 ‘Prairie Tank’ 5199 on the 19th April 2023, pictured departing from Williton with the 12:30 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead service. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco has been confirmed as OK to take up duties subject to the usual inspection checks, her next rostered duties being on Saturday and Sunday 20/21st May under the BLUE timetable. See our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for information about this season’s diesel-hauled services.

D7017 shared her corner of the south yard with a Mark 1 coach that had just come out from maintenance at WSR Restorations and was soon to be moved to Minehead in preparation for the steam gala. Pictured on Saturday 22nd April 2023 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – the tasks that are lined up on this loco were reviewed at the Board Meeting and confirmed as being minor in nature and easy to deal with in the time remaining before her next duty. This loco is therefore expected to be available in good time for the Diesel Gala on June 8th through 10th.

 

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – more progress has been made on several fronts, with John working on reinstatement of the electrical system, Terry on the brake rigging, Nick on the engine, while Tony and Andy P worked on the bodywork parts. Colin G covered multiple bases but scored a bonus point by getting the cab assembly brought into the loco shed so that restoration of this major assembly can commence. Here are some photos:

D9518 – the cab assembly is now inside the loco shed so that the restoration of this major item can commence under the guidance of Colin G. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 22nd April 2023 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the Paxman V6 diesel engine that once powered sister D9526 is being dismantled for cleaning and inspection prior to rebuilding with new bearings and seals. One bank of three cylinders was pictured at Williton on Saturday 15th April 2023 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

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

 

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is fully serviceable and ready for use as soon as suitable opportunities arise. As previously reported, she was used for a yard shunt at Williton on the morning of Saturday 22nd April and remains on standby in case she is needed.

D9526 was sandwiched between the Mark 1 coach and ‘Hymek’ D7018 at Williton on Saturday 22nd April 2023. The coach was moved to Minehead later that day, giving the ‘Teddy Bear’ some free space. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is now back in regular use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and is performing well. We hope to include details of her exploits in a future roundup.

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this loco was moved out of the loco shed on Saturday 22nd April and will remain outdoors throughout the running season. The paintwork detailing will be completed when the weather permits and the cabside transfers will then be applied, hopefully in time for her 1972 look to be perfected before the diesel gala.

Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 (ROF 1) has now been moved out of the loco shed and awaits some paintwork detailing and her cabside transfers to be applied before we can call the job complete. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 22nd April 2023 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

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 !

 

 

BOOK REVIEW – we have now published Neale Long’s book review on DIESEL DAWN – VOLUME 7: WESTERN REGION CLASS 14 DIESEL-HYDRAULICS so click here to read the review or visit our NEW BOOK REVIEWS PAGE on our website. This book is on sale via our website for the benefit of the D9518 restoration fund. PLEASE BUY A COPY to support D9518 !

Many thanks to Neale for providing this book review.

We can also supply any of the previous six volumes of DIESEL DAWN, so please let us know if you would like to purchase any of the volumes in this interesting series. Please also take a look at our webstore for NEW BOOKS and PRE-OWNED BOOKS, the profits from which will go directly towards the upkeep of our loco fleet. Thank you very much for your support !

Just as a reminder, we can also supply PLATFORM 5 publications either from stock or against a special order, the profits from such sales going towards our general loco maintenance funds.

 

 

ON SHED – after a very succesful year of running in the guise of D1040 ‘WESTERN QUEEN’, the Western Locomotive Association’s (WLA’s) 1963 Crewe-built ‘Thousand’ is now back to being D1062 ‘WESTERN COURIER’, in good time to celebrate her 60th birthday on Saturday 6th May. This hard working loco is rostered to perform on the Severn Valley Railway on both the Saturday and the Sunday, 6/7th May and we wish her all the best for her 60th birthday !.

Three Class 52 ‘Westerns’ alongside each other, 46 years after the Class was withdrawn from mainline service. From left to right, D1015 ‘WESTERN CHAMPION’, D1062 ‘WESTERN COURIER’ and D1013 ‘WESTERN RANGER’ filled one end of the diesel shed at Kidderminster in April 2023. Photo by Paul Finch © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

 

DEPG NEWS – a Board Meeting was held at Williton on Saturday 22nd April, and a synopsis is being prepared and will be shared ASAP with all DEPG members for whom we hold a valid email address.

 

Top marks to Graham, Tony and Paul T for their efforts on construction of the covered oil store in the yard at Williton, the first half of which was completed on Sunday 23rd April after another full weekend of hard labour. The gates for the other section have been ordered and will be installed during the next few weeks. Well done guys, the heroes of countless unsung infrastructure improvement projects !

The covered oil store in the yard at Williton will be used to store new and used oil and will include bunds to capture any spillage and prevent pollution. Pictured on Sunday 23rd April 2023 by Graham Perry © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The DEPG depends on the support of all of our members so please make sure that your membership is up to date. If you are not sure about your membership status, please click here or on the image below to access your membership record via MEMBERMOJO.

 

 

KEY DATES for your diary:

WSR SPRING STEAM SPECTACULAR : Friday 28th April through Monday 1st May 2023

WSR SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL: Thursday 8th through Saturday 10th June 2023

DEPG 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS : Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd September 2023.

     

 

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