Apologies for the late posting of this edition of roundup.

There was no need for ‘pretend’ snow at Crowcombe Heathfield on Sunday 11th December 2022, nature having made a wonderful vista for the ‘SANTA EXPRESS‘ services that ran later that day. Photo by Malcolm Anderson© CC BY-NC 3.0

 

As we reach the penultimate roundup for 2022, Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) continues to be a regular performer on the ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ services that will increase their frequency to almost daily from Friday this week, right through to the last day of this year. Several great photos have appeared on the wsr.org.uk website and deserve to be shared here also:

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) was pictured while preparing for the first of the two ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ services at Bishops Lydeard on Friday 9th December 2022. Photo by Liam Hebditch © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) leads the ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ service on the return journey to Bishops Lydeard on Friday 9th December 2022. Photo by Dave Fowler © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Both the ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ and the ‘SANTA EXPRESS‘ trains are booking up very quickly, with most services already sold out, so act now and click here if you want to ride on one of the available services.

 

Once again we say WELL DONE to all volunteers and staff who are braving the cold conditions and working late to support these seasonal services.

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – progress tends to slow at this time of year as our volunteers attend to their other duties, but we still fielded a good size team on this loco last weekend and cleared up some tasks as shown in the photos that follow:

D1010 – the input shaft of ‘B’ transmission was examined at Williton on Monday 5th December 2022 and revealed severely corroded bearings, all of which will soon be replaced when the shaft is separated into its component parts. This shaft is driven by the engine so it revolves at speeds up to 1500 rpm. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the helical gear on the dynastarter shaft engages with the smaller of the two helical gears in the previous photo and is next in line to be separated into its component parts for a bearing inspection. Pictured at Williton on Monday 5th December 2022 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – component parts from the ‘B’ transmission are lined up awaiting cleaning and inspection. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 10th December 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the battery compartment doors were in need of some cosmetic treatment after their corrosion repairs, so this is being dealt with by Ian Fn in his usual diligent way. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 10th December 2022 by Mike Evans © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the repaired compressor access grille on ‘A’ side of the locomotive was re-fitted by Mike and Leroy at Williton on Saturday 10th December 2022. Photo by Mike Evans © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the spaces bounded by the yellow marks are patches that are waiting for their sponsors. The patches are marked using a vibratory engraver so the markings are in the metal, not just in the paint, and will still be visible after sanding the paint away in years to come. To SPONSOR A PATCH, see below ! Pictured at Williton on Saturday 19th November 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

To continue our rate of progress requires FUNDING which is becoming harder to get as belts are being tightened everywhere. If you are able to do so, please consider SPONSORING 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, but please bear with us because our admin resources are severely stretched at the moment. Click the image below to sponsor a patch. Thank you in advance for your support !

We still have a lot of work to do on this massive locomotive, so PLEASE DO COME ALONG AND HELP IF YOU CAN !

See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details !

 

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco was subjected to an ‘A’ exam on Saturday 10th and was passed as ready to partake in a test run that will probably take place on Saturday 17th December. The engine was started and checked to ensure that everything was in order and confirmed that she is ready to run, so WELL DONE Team CROMPTON for resolving the issues and allowing this 61-year-old to run again in 2022.

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is currently based at Bishops Lydeard and is in regular use on the ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ services.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco has also been prepared for a test run, and if conditions allow, may be able to join stablemate D6566 on a test run this coming Saturday 17th December.

D7017 – pictured in the yard at Williton in the early morning of Saturday 10th December 2022, covered in ice and looking forward to warmer running days in 2023. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco also enjoyed an engine run on Saturday 10th, with some checks and adjustments being made by Neil just in case we can fit in a test run before the end of this year.

D7018 – pictured from the GWR-pattern ‘TOAD’ brake van W114751 in the yard at Williton on a very cold and dark Saturday morning, 10th December 2022. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – the progress continues on multiple fronts with additional activities going on at subcontractors and at other sites, to keep the fitters supplied with refurbished parts. Here’s some recent photos of work in progress: 

D9518 – a view from the mezzanine of the Paxman 6YJXL 650 hp V6 diesel engine that last ran in D9526 and is mounted on the turnover frame so that it can be completely dismantled for a thorough overhaul and rebuild under the watchful eyes of Terry before being installed into D9518. Pictured at Williton on 3rd December 2022 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – a view through one of the crankcase covers of the Paxman 6YJXL reveals the fork-and-blade big-end arrangement and one of the fork-type connecting rods. Pictured at Williton on 26th November 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the wiring for the heavy duty (and 1965 vintage) Battery Isolator Switch (BIS) was installed by John C at Williton on 26th November 2022. 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 currently based on the Kent & East Sussex Railway and enjoying the last month of its Kentish holiday before heading home to Williton some time in mid-January 2023.

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is being fitted with the reconditioned engine speed governor by the team led by Bob Fussey at the NYMR which should allow her to return to duty on a standby basis in case any work opportunity comes along.

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – the fuel system overhaul on this locomotive continues and is likely to be an ongoing task for several months, because they system has to be cleaned out then flushed then rebuilt and the overhauled fuel injection pump installed, along with the new fuel filters. The opportunity will be taken to perform some other tasks while the loco is inside the shed and easy to work on.

 

 

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 – apologies for the blatant sales push, but our locos need their funding and selling books is one of the many ways in which we raise money for the cause. Below is a selection of new books – and don’t forget to browse our PRE-OWNED BOOKS selection as well.

Our LATEST addition is from well-known author and DEPG member BERNARD MILLS, which is the fifth volume in his very popular ‘BACKTRACKING AROUND’ series of ‘THEN & NOW’ studies, this time covering the lines around Plymouth, Looe, Liskeard and Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow.

 

Backtracking Vol 5 by Bernard Mills £18.95	The Beaten Track Vol 1 by Andy Chard £29.95	The Beaten Track Vol 2 by Andy Chard £34.95
The Clayton Type 1 by Anthony P Sayer £36.00	BR Swindon Type1 Vol 1 by Anthony Sayer £27.00	BR Swindon Type1 Vol 2 by Anthony Sayer £27.00
Western Venture by Roger Geach and Michael Mercer £15.00	Class 37s in the Far West by Stephen C Marshall and Roger Geach £22.00	A manual for diesel locomotive and DMU drivers by John Leach £34.95

 

DEPG 2023 CALENDARS – LAST FEW AVAILABLE:

The long-awaited DEPG 2023 CALENDAR is flying off the shelves so PLACE YOUR ORDER NOW to avoid disappointment. Strangely for these times, the price is the same as last year, which is £12 including VAT excluding postage. Click here or on the image above to place your order. Thank you to all of our contributors for allowing us to use their work for this important fund-raising purpose.

Click this link for the animated version (displays via our website).

 

WILLITON STATION FUNDRAISING – this week is also the last opportunity to order the Christmas items that have been made by our friends at our local WSR station. A selection of the many items have been placed on our online store in the ‘Christmas Items‘ category. All monies raised from the sale of these items goes to Williton Station funds. Thank you for your support !

 

ON SHED – last week, we featured a photograph of D1009 ‘WESTERN INVADER’ on shed at Cardiff Canton depot in the summer of 1976 and we asked if anyone knew the reason why this splendid-looking loco did not make it into 1977. Almost immediate responses were received from Nev Sloper and Neale Long, referencing the book ‘CAST of THOUSANDS’ by the late Adrian Curtis, where it was recorded that a failed bogie coil spring was the reason why the loco was withdrawn, her fully serviceable engines and cooler groups being resold to a Dutch businessman. Guys, many thanks for this information.

Continuing with a series of photographs that have been provided by Kelvin Lumb, we have a photo of our very own D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ in the company of an unidentified Class 46 ‘Peak’, again at Cardiff Canton Depot in the summer of 1976, and looking a little shabby, especially compared to the photo that we shared last week. Many thanks to Kelvin for sharing another item from his vast collection with us all.

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ was stabled at CARDIFF CANTON in the summer of 1976 alongside an unidentified Class 46 ‘Peak’ in an unusually quiet yard. The ‘Western’ has her cab doors and one of the engine room windows open to provide some through ventilation. The large glass area resulted in the cabs getting very hot on a sunny day. Photo by Kelvin Lumb © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

DEPG NEWS – the November Newsletter #62 has been mailed (or emailed) along with the synopses of recent Board Meetings to all registered DEPG members. Please let us know if you have not yet received your copy. Thanks !

 

The first stages of constructing our new OIL STORAGE AREA took place on Saturday 10th December during extremely cold weather but our contractor and DEPG supporter COLIN GILBERT and his colleague were undeterred and worked well into the hours of darkness to complete their part of the job.

The covered oil storage area was under construction at Williton on the very cold morning of Saturday 10th December 2022 with the steel uprights in place and the timber frame being installed. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

By early evening, the roof was on and the framework now awaits the mesh doors and sides that will allow us to keep new and used oil secure and properly segregated. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 10th December 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

A very useful item that won’t break the bank is our new DEPG keyring LED torch, now in stock and selling for £2.50 with the option of five different colours. The aluminium body, simple on/off switch, swivel keyring, great brightness and replaceable batteries make this a decent purchase. Available from our online store.

 

 

IMPORTANT DATES for 2023:

WSR DIESEL GALA : Thursday 8th through Saturday 10th June 2023

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

 

 

Our new online membership system is working well and feedback has been very positive, but please be aware that WE STILL OFFER THE TRADITIONAL PAPER-BASED MEMBERSHIP via cheques and mail, available via this link. If you want a form mailed to you, just let us know or email our Membership Secretary CHRIS SHIELDS via members@depg.org

Of particular importance is the GIFT AID option. If you are a taxpayer, please consider setting your GIFT AID status to YES so that the DEPG can claim the tax that you paid on your subscription and/or donation. This increases the value of your payment by 25% and that makes a significant amount of difference to our fundraising. Thanks !

For our new online membership system, click here or on the image below and log in using your email address (no need to remember yet another password) to create a new membership or to check the details of your current membership. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE DEPG !

 

 

WSR NEWS: 

The WSR is operating the 2022 ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ trains which are steam hauled on the journey to Crowcombe Heathfield and diesel hauled on the return leg, using (mostly) one of our Class 33 ‘Cromptons’. Also running are the ‘SANTA EXPRESS‘ services between Bishops Lydeard and Williton. 

Demand is strong with only a few seats left on some services, so don’t leave it until later to make a booking. If you and/or your family or friends want to experience one or both of these events, then now is the time to make a booking. Click here for the events page on the WSR website or click on the images below.

 

 

 

Go to previous Weekly Roundup post

 

Class 09 shunter D4107 (09 019) was pictured at Crowcombe Heathfield on Saturday 3rd December 2022 while performing the generator start-up and check duty that preceedes and follows the ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ services. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

It may seem a bit strange to feature a Class 09 as our lead story, but strange things do happens now and then. Such was the case last Friday 2nd December when Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) was ‘borrowed’ to attach the rear of the 1630 ‘DUNSTER BY CANDELIGHT’ service which was being hauled from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and back by BR(W) 4-6-0 7828 ‘ODNEY MANOR’, the addition of the ’33’ being to ensure that the train ran to time in the event of slippery rails on the steeper gradients, given the foggy conditions.

The ‘Manor’ didn’t slip, not even when hauling the ’33’ in addition to its 6-coach load, so the ’33’ was not attached the following day and the went back to its normal duties on ‘WINTERLIGHTS’.

What about ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ on the Friday, I hear you ask ? Well, with no ’33’ available, the Class 09 was used instead and provided a very rare opportunity to photograph this humble workhorse in charge of a passenger service. So rare – but so unusual and unexpected that we have yet to see a single photograph of the occurrence !

 

DUNSTER BY CANDLELIGHT is a Christmas market event that takes place in early December each year. The WSR offers two special services for visitors to enjoy the dual treat of heritage travel and delightful Dunster. You’ll have to wait until next year for the next opportunity !

 

Saturday 3rd December was particularly busy because it marked the start of the very popular ‘SANTA EXPRESS‘ services that run between Bishops Lydeard and Williton. It was great to see the station come alive again!

The ‘SANTA EXPRESS‘ approaches Platform 2 at Williton Station behind WSR 2-6-0 ‘Mogul’ 9351 on Saturday 3rd December 2022. Photo taken from the footbridge by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

These ‘SANTA‘ trains are booking up very quickly, with most services already sold out, so act now and click here if you want to ride on one of the available services.

WELL DONE to all volunteers and staff who are braving the cold conditions and working late to support these seasonal services.

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – more progress on the transmission rebuild this week resulted in the assembly of the first stage torque converter housing which is now ready for the turbine runner to be re-installed into the bulbous housing that includes the hydraulic fluid passageways. Attention then shifted from the turbine rail to the main transmission casing to assess the remaining parts and arrange the special tools and fixtures that will be needed to perform the bearing replacement on the other shafts.

Further progress was made on the electrical work in ‘B’ cab with most of the corroded steel conduit now removed and the redundant Automatic Warning System (AWS) wiring being removed with it. This coming weekend should see the completion of this task.

D1010 – the fixed guide vane assembly of the first stage torque converter was re-assembled at Williton on Monday 28th November 2022. All of the parts that form this assembly have been cleaned, inspected and re-built by Colin, Geoff and Tim. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the casing of the first stage torque converter was re-attached at Williton on Monday 28th November 2022. This casing includes the channels for filling and emptying the hydraulic fluid. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the main transmission casing includes other shafts such as the engine-driven input shaft shown on the right. This shaft needs to be separated to allow the bearings to be replaced. Pictured at Williton on Monday 28th November 2022 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the spaces bounded by the yellow marks are patches that are waiting for their sponsors. The patches are marked using a vibratory engraver so the markings are in the metal, not just in the paint, and are still visible after sanding the paint away. To SPONSOR A PATCH, see below ! Pictured at Williton on Saturday 19th November 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

To continue our rate of progress requires FUNDING which is becoming harder to get as belts are being tightened everywhere. If you are able to do so, please consider SPONSORING 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, but please bear with us because our admin resources are severely stretched at the moment. Click the image below to sponsor a patch. Thank you in advance for your support !

We still have a lot of work to do on this massive locomotive, so PLEASE DO COME ALONG AND HELP IF YOU CAN !

See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details !

 

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is being prepared for a test run that will probably take place on Saturday 17th December, subject to a suitable path being available. The engine was started on Saturday 3rd after filling the cooling system with a mixture of water and anti-freeze that will protect the loco down to -30C and no leaks were detected, so we are very close to a return to service.

D6566 (33 048) – this loco is getting closer to her return to service and is now ready for an inspection and a test run before going back on duty. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 3rd December 2022 by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is currently stabled at Bishops Lydeard and is in regular use on the ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ services.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is waiting for completion of her Vehicle Inspection and Brake Test (VIBT) and a test run before she can be declared fit for traffic.

D7017 – this loco is also ready for an inspection and a test run before going back on the operational list. Pictured at Williton on Friday 2nd December 2022 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – no change this week, but hopefully we can do the engine run and adjustments this coming weekend. 

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – the team were busy on multiple fronts as usual, but one notable event was that the brake frame assembly was provided with compressed air from the depot system and this allowed the many pipes, valves and joints to be leak tested. The pressure was then increased to 110 psi (7.58 bar) to ensure that the safety device came into effect – which it did. Well done Team D9518 !

D9518 – the electrical cubicle was moved so that it could be cleaned and painted. Team members (L-R) Mike and Terry kindly provided the blue background which helped make the photo slightly less confusing. Pictured at Williton on 3rd December 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the electrical cubicle surfaces were prepared for painting by Colin G at Williton on 3rd December 2022. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – one of the new side sheets was fitted by Andy P at Williton on 3rd December 2022. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – meanwhile, Simon P uncovered the reverser mechanism on the Hunslet final drive so that it could be cleaned and inspected before rigging up the pneumatic control. Pictured at Williton on 3rd December 2022 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 currently based on the Kent & East Sussex Railway and continues to see a decent amount of use, clocking up 47.5 hours in November. We expect that our ‘Teddy Bear’ will be back home at Williton by mid-January 2023.

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is receiving attention at the NYMR after it was discovered that her engine governor was reaching the point of failure. Luckily, we have a reconditioned spare part in stock, so it was made ready for despatch to get the loco back into service. This un-used spare was acquired along with the loco back in 2007, and carries warranty plates that show that the warranty expired in 2005 !

47077 – The governor controls the power output from the engine by matching the fuel supply to the load and regulating the engine speed to that required by the driver. Pictured at Williton on 3rd December 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

47077 – they are hard to read but the plates on our un-used spare governor show that it was last overhauled in April 2004 and the warranty expired in April 2005. Pictured at Williton on 3rd December 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – the torque converter on this little diesel-hydraulic locomotive uses diesel fuel as its hydraulic fluid, so it has a dedicated filter to ensure that that dirt and debris from the fuel tank does not find its way into the hydraulic circuit. However, this filter is of the cloth type and has certainly seen better days. The replacement that has been supplied by the same firm is of the more conventional cartridge type and will be much more effective as well as being easier to maintain.

Andrew Barclay 578 (ROF 1) – the torque converter fluid filter was found to be of the cloth type and was definitely in need of attention. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 3rd December 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Andrew Barclay 578 (ROF 1) – the replacement that was supplied by the original equipment manufacturer is shown on the right and is of the cartridge element type. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 3rd December 2022 by Andy Royal © 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 continue to have a very good uptake on this brand new book from well-known author and DEPG member BERNARD MILLS, which is the fifth volume in his very popular ‘BACKTRACKING AROUND’ series of ‘THEN & NOW’ studies, this time covering the lines around Plymouth, Looe, Liskeard and Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow.

This new book is offered for sale at £18.95 with all profits going to the D1010 Restoration Fund. We look forward to receiving and sharing a book review from a purchaser in the very near future.

 

We have also been busy preparing more of our pre-owned book stock for online sales in time for Christmas, so keep an eye on our pre-owned book page because we are updating it regularly (or trying to!).

 

The long-awaited DEPG 2023 CALENDAR is now in stock and we will start distributing it on Monday next week, so NOW IS THE TIME TO PLACE YOUR ORDER because we are only ordering the minimum number that will guarantee that all copies are sold. This allows us to keep the price the same as last year, which is £12 including VAT excluding postage. Click here or on the image above to place your order. Thank you to all of our contributors for allowing us to use their work for this important purpose.

Click this link for the animated version (displays via our website).

 

 

WILLITON STATION FUNDRAISING – our friends at our local WSR station have been busy making a range of embroidered Christmas cards, gift tags and decorations that will be of interest to many, as well as being a departure from what one would normally expect to find on the DEPG website !

Several of the items have been placed on our online store in the ‘Christmas Items‘ category. All monies raised from the sale of these items goes to Williton Station funds. Thank you for your support !

A selection of Christmas items that have been made by volunteers at Williton Station. Each item is for sale for £1.50 each at the Station or via the DEPG online store. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

ON SHED – continuing with a series of photographs that have been provided by Kelvin Lumb, we have a photo of D1009 ‘WESTERN INVADER’ at Cardiff Canton Depot in the summer of 1976, the last full year of Class 52 operations. Considering that the loco only had a handful of months left to run before being withdrawn from service on 10th November 1976, she is looking in remarkably good external condition. Can anyone tell us the reason why she didn’t make it into 1977 ?

Many thanks to Kelvin for sharing another item from his collection with us all.

Class 52 D1009 ‘WESTERN INVADER’ was stabled with engines running at CARDIFF CANTON in the summer of 1976 alongside an unidentified Class 37. The ‘Western was introduced to service on 24th September of 1962, just a few weeks before our own D1010, and worked for 14 years before being reduced to scrap at Swindon in 1978. Photo by Kelvin Lumb © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

DEPG NEWS – the November Newsletter #62 has been mailed (or emailed) along with the synopses of recent Board Meetings to all registered DEPG members. Please let us know if you have not yet received your copy. Thanks !

The roof of the OLD GOODS SHED at Williton has been fitted with fine mesh netting to protect against any loose slates from sliding off and falling to the ground. This temporary measure has allowed the scaffolding to be taken down while the project for the renovation and re-purposing of the 160-year-old Grade II listed building is going through the preliminary planning phase. The scaffolding will need to go back up at some point in the future, after the funding has been put in place, so that the repairs to the roof and the underlying timber structure can take place.

The ‘SANTA EXPRESS‘ comes to a halt opposite the Old Goods Shed at Williton Station behind WSR 2-6-0 ‘Mogul’ 9351 on Saturday 3rd December 2022 as Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) bursts into life for an engine test run, the puff of blue smoke indicating a cold start. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

A very useful item that won’t break the bank is our new DEPG keyring LED torch, now in stock and selling for £2.50 with the option of five different colours. The aluminium body, simple on/off switch, swivel keyring, great brightness and replaceable batteries make this a decent purchase. Available from our online store.

 

 

IMPORTANT DATES for 2023:

WSR DIESEL GALA : Thursday 8th through Saturday 10th June 2023

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

 

 

Our new online membership system is working well and feedback has been very positive, but please be aware that WE STILL OFFER THE TRADITIONAL PAPER-BASED MEMBERSHIP via cheques and mail, available via this link. If you want a form mailed to you, just let me know or email our Membership Secretary CHRIS SHIELDS via members@depg.org

Of particular importance is the GIFT AID option. If you are a taxpayer, please consider setting your GIFT AID status to YES so that the DEPG can claim the tax that you paid on your subscription and/or donation. This increases the value of your payment by 25% and that makes a significant amount of difference to our fundraising. Thanks !

For our new online membership system, click here or on the image below and log in using your email address (no need to remember yet another password) to create a new membership or to check the details of your current membership. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE DEPG !

 

WSR NEWS: 

The WSR is operating the 2022 ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ trains which are steam hauled on the journey to Crowcombe Heathfield and diesel hauled on the return leg, using (mostly) one of our Class 33 ‘Cromptons’. Also running are the ‘SANTA EXPRESS‘ services between Bishops Lydeard and Williton. 

Demand is strong so don’t leave it until later to make a booking. If you and/or your family or friends want to experience one or both of these events, then now is the time to make a booking. Click here for the events page on the WSR website or click on the images below.

 

   

Go to previous Weekly Roundup post

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) approaches Williton from the north on a DIESEL GALA service from Minehead on Saturday 11th June 2022. Photo by Paul Clark © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Firstly, apologies for the late publication of this edition of roundup, the delay being caused by the need to get the DEPG Newsletter out for printing as a matter of priority.

The big news this week is that Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) is ready for inspection and test running in advance of being returned to service. This update was provided by volunteer Class 33 loco manager IAN ROBINS after he and Tom spent the whole of last weekend working on a low water pressure indication issue that followed the installation of the reconditioned heat exchanger. Assistance has also been provided by Ian FS (so many Ians at the depot these days) and Chris, so well done Team Crompton !

This news will no doubt be appreciated by sister loco D6575 (33 057) who has carried the baton as the duty loco since mid August and will welcome the backup for the ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ services that run on Fridays and Saturdays up to Friday 16th December, when they become almost daily and continue to the very end of the year.

Bookings on these services are strong, especially for the earlier departure, so if you intend to take a ride then MAKE A BOOKING to secure your places.

WELL DONE TO ALL INVOLVED WITH DELIVERING THESE WINTERLIGHTS SERVICES !

Also running this weekend are the DUNSTER BY CANDLELIGHT services (Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd) and the SANTA EXPRESS services (Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th) so it will be good to see Williton Station open for business again.

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – further progress on the transmission rebuild resulted in the turbine rail input shaft assembly being installed into the centre section of the housing, in readiness for the attachment of the first stage torque converter housing. Each component is being thoroughly cleaned and having any loose material removed before reassembly, because the oilways are very small and cleanliness is essential. The nice new (and expensive !) bearings need plenty of clean oil to keep them in good condition.

Ian FN and Chris made further progress on the bodywork and Gordon attended to the sandbox doors, and we even made some progress on the underfloor wiring in ‘B’ cab. Here are some photos that show the progress:

D1010 – the turbine rail input shaft assembly was completed at Williton on Monday 21st November 2022. The new bearings are encased within the housings and fed with oil via the port that is visible on the far left. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the input shaft assembly was then installed into the centre part of the housing and the oilway aligned with the oil pipe union. Pictured at Williton on Monday 21st November 2022 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the first stage impeller is next in line for cleaning and inspection. This component will be attached to the input shaft via the Hirth joint (radial spline joint) that is visible in the centre of the impeller and in the previous photo. Pictured at Williton on 26th November 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the battery compartment doors on the ‘B’ side of the loco have been receiving attention from Ian FN who has been hard at work, filling, sanding, filling and sanding to get the finish up to his high standard. Pictured at Williton on 26th November 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the spaces bounded by the yellow marks are patches that are waiting for their sponsors. The patches are marked using a vibratory engraver so the markings are in the metal, not just in the paint, and are still visible after sanding the paint away. To SPONSOR A PATCH, see below ! Pictured at Williton on Saturday 19th November 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

To continue our rate of progress requires FUNDING which is becoming harder to get as belts are being tightened everywhere. If you are able to do so, please consider SPONSORING 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, but please bear with us because our admin resources are severely stretched at the moment. Click the image below to sponsor a patch. Thank you in advance for your support !

We still have a lot of work to do on this massive locomotive, so PLEASE DO COME ALONG AND HELP IF YOU CAN !

See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details !

 

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – covered previously.

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is currently stabled at Bishops Lydeard and in regular use on the ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ services.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is waiting for completion of her Vehicle Inspection and Brake Test (VIBT) and a test run before she can be declared fit for traffic.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – the planned engine run had to be deferred again because of other priorities, but we hope to get to this task during the coming weekend. The engine will be run for an hour to bring it and the transmission up to temperature and allow the transmission control pressures to be checked and adjusted if necessary. The loco will then need to have a number of small but important tasks dealt with during the winter months, in readiness for her return to service in the spring.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – progress on multiple fronts has become the norm as the team share out the tasks and maintain a very high level of co-ordination. As usual, the pictures tell the story:

D9518 – Simon removes some very old hoses that need replacing while he can easily access the area that will soon be plated over. Pictured at Williton on 26th November 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the side plates are trial fitted – the green plate being a new part and the blue (ish) part being an original that is in need of replacement. Pictured at Williton on 26th November 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – an original side plate is being used as a template for the oval holes to be cut in the new plate for the battery cables to pass through. The lower part of the plate (RH) is not much use as a template, in fact it is not much use for anything at all. Pictured at Williton on 26th November 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – meanwhile, Terry and his team comprising Nick and Mike have been dismantling the Paxman 6YJXL V6 diesel engine that last ran in D9526 and will undergo a complete rebuild to form a zero-hours engine for D9518. Pictured at Williton on 26th November 2022 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 currently based on the Kent & East Sussex Railway and continues to see a decent amount of use, clocking up 47.5 hours in November. We expect that our ‘Teddy Bear’ will be back home at Williton by mid-January 2023.

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is receiving attention at the NYMR after a report of an oil leak from her engine governor. When investigated, it was found that the governor is in need of an overhaul, so a spare part will be despatched from Williton stock to get the loco back into service.

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – the fuel system of this loco continues to be the subject of attention and ‘hats off’ to new volunteer Tony for cleaning out the diesel tank and removing all of the sludge that has accumulated over the last 50 years – definitely not a pleasant job but someone has to do it. Tony also made a new gasket and fitted the inspection plate back into place loosely, in case further work needs to be done. Terry, Simon P and Colin G also lent a hand on this loco to remove the filter for the ‘British Twin Disc’ 3-stage torque converter (this design uses diesel fuel as the hydraulic fluid). The filter was found to be in a very poor condition and will be replaced. The project continues !

Andrew Barclay 578 (ROF 1) – the newly-made gasket is visible under the fuel tank inspection flange that has been loosely refitted by Tony. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 26th November 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

BR (LNER pattern) 20t Brake Van B952527 – this vehicle is in need of a significant amount of work and will need to have an allocation of resources so that progress can be made on the restoration. To roof is leaking quite badly, so to protect against further dilapidation, the van was sheeted over with a tarpaulin – but the stovepipe had to be removed first, and it didn’t want to budge so it had to be cut. It turns out that the stovepipe was made from a redundant boiler tube and was found to be cracked along almost the whole length, so it will have to be renewed anyway. The cast iron stove was also found to be cracked and will also need to be replaced. The first priority was to keep the rain out and that task was completed on Saturday by Martin (mostly) with a bit of help from Chris and Andy.

The DEPG’s 1954 BR (Faverdale) 20t brake van B952527 has been sheeted over for the winter because it has a leaky roof. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 26th November 2022 by Andy Royal © 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 had a very encouraging uptake on this brand new book from well-known author and DEPG member BERNARD MILLS, which is the fifth volume in his very popular ‘BACKTRACKING AROUND’ series of ‘THEN & NOW’ studies, this time covering the lines around Plymouth, Looe, Liskeard and Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow.

This new book is offered for sale at £18.95 with all profits going to the D1010 Restoration Fund. We look forward to receiving and sharing a book review from a purchaser in the very near future.

 

 

We have also been busy preparing more of our pre-owned book stock for online sales in time for Christmas, so keep an eye on our pre-owned book page because we are updating it regularly (or trying to!).

 

The long-awaited DEPG 2023 CALENDAR is at the printers and we will start distributing it within the next week or so. NOW IS THE TIME TO PLACE YOUR ORDER because we are only ordering the minimum number that will guarantee that all copies are sold. This allows us to keep the price the same as last year, which is £12 including VAT excluding postage. Click here or on the image above to place your order. Thank you to all of our contributors for allowing us to use their work for this important purpose.

Click this link for the animated version (displays via our website).

 

 

WILLITON STATION FUNDRAISING – as mentioned last week, our friends at our local WSR station have been busy making a range of embroidered Christmas cards, gift tags and decorations that will be of interest to many, as well as being a departure from what one would normally expect to find on the DEPG website !

The many items are being photographed and examples have been placed on our online store in the ‘Christmas Items‘ category. All monies raised from the sale of these items goes to Williton Station funds. Thank you for your support !

A selection of Christmas items that have been made by volunteers at Williton Station. Each item is for sale for £1.50 each at the Station or via the DEPG online store. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

ON SHED – continuing with a series of photographs that have been provided by Kelvin Lumb, we have a photo of D1048 ‘WESTERN LADY’, one of the seven surviving members of the Class, at the stabling point at Westbury where the Class were often to be found before or after working the heavy stone trains from the Mendips to London and elsewhere. Also in the picture is 47 026, formerly D1597, delivered new to Cardiff Canton Depot in June 1964 and destined for a 38-year career on the mainline before ending her days as 47 597 at EMR Kingsbury scrapyard. Many thanks to Kelvin for sharing another item from his collection with us all.

Class 52 survivor D1048 ‘WESTERN LADY’ was stabled at WESTBURY in January 1977 along with 47 026 (D1597, 47 597). Photo by Kelvin Lumb © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

DEPG NEWS – the November Newsletter is being printed and will be mailed (or emailed) along with the synopses of recent Board Meetings to all registered DEPG members during the coming week. Please let me know if you have not received your copy by this time next week. Thanks !

 

A very useful item that won’t break the bank is our new DEPG keyring LED torch, now in stock and selling for £2.50 with the option of five different colours. The aluminium body, simple on/off switch, swivel keyring, great brightness and replaceable batteries make this a decent purchase. Available from our online store.

 

 

IMPORTANT DATES for 2023:

WSR DIESEL GALA : Thursday 8th through Saturday 10th June 2023

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

 

 

Our new online membership system is working well and feedback has been very positive, but please be aware that WE STILL OFFER THE TRADITIONAL PAPER-BASED MEMBERSHIP via cheques and mail, available via this link. If you want a form mailed to you, just let me know or email our Membership Secretary CHRIS SHIELDS via members@depg.org

Of particular importance is the GIFT AID option. If you are a taxpayer, please consider setting your GIFT AID status to YES so that the DEPG can claim the tax that you paid on your subscription and/or donation. This increases the value of your payment by 25% and that makes a significant amount of difference to our fundraising. Thanks !

For our new online membership system, click here or on the image below and log in (no password required) to create a new membership or to check the details of your current membership. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE DEPG !

 

 

WSR NEWS: 

The WSR is now taking bookings for the 2022 ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ trains which will be steam hauled on the journey to Crowcombe Heathfield and diesel hauled on the return leg, using one of our Class 33 ‘Cromptons’. Also running are the ‘SANTA EXPRESS‘ services between Bishops Lydeard and Williton, and two special trains on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd December for visitors to the ‘DUNSTER by CANDLELIGHT‘ event. 

Demand is expected to be strong so don’t leave it until later to make a booking. If you and/or your family or friends want to experience one or more of these events, then now is the time to make a booking. Click here for the events page on the WSR website or click on the images below.

   

 

Go to previous Weekly Roundup post

WINTERLIGHTS trains for 2022 run Fridays and Saturdays until the 16th December when the frequency steps up to most days right through to New Year’s Eve. Pictured at Bishops Lydeard by Liam Hebditch © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) returns the 19:00 ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ train to Bishops Lydeard on Friday 18th November, the first night of the 2022 season. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The 2020 Christmas season kicked off in style on Friday 18th November with two ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ services, the first departing Bishops Lydeard at 17:00 and the second at 19:00 with BR(W) 4-6-0 7828 ‘ODNEY MANOR’ leading for the outbound leg to Crowcombe Heathfield and Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) leading on the return. The trains travel slowly because seasonal exhibits are placed along the line and the coloured lights on the carriages interact with those of the fixed displays to present additional effects, adding to the experience.

Running these services in the evenings is very demanding for the volunteers who are essential to delivering these services, with car park attendants, marquee attendants and a whole range of support volunteers working together to make sure that visitors have a great experience – so that they will hopefully tell their friends and family about it.

WELL DONE TO ALL INVOLVED WITH DELIVERING THESE WINTERLIGHTS SERVICES !

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – another milestone was reached as we transitioned from ‘disassembly mode’ to ‘reassembly mode’ on the ‘B’ end transmission, with the input shaft being reassembled with new bearings and being prepared for re-fitting into the housings. This paves the way for the first stage torque converter to be reassembled around the shaft, while allowing us to build up our knowledge and improve our build techniques in preparation for the challenging reassembly stages to come. Well done to Colin F and his team members Geoff and Tim for this achievement, and to Paul K and Andy V for their invaluable help in getting us to this level. Great progress, thank you all !!!

D1010 – a milestone moment as new bearings are fitted around the input shaft by Tim (L) and Colin F (R) at Williton on Tuesday 15th November 2022 after ensuring that the oilway drillings were clear of debris and fully functional. The next step will be to fit this shaft assembly into the housing and then build the first stage torque converter around it. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

On Saturday 19th November, Gordon and Leroy refitted the headcode blind boxes to the doors at the ‘A’ end of the locomotive, and set them to an appropriate headcode, one that was carried by the loco from 1975 to the end of her days in BR service. At the other end of the loco, Andy R was working on reinstating the wiring that had been disconnected when welding repairs were carried out underneath the cab floor, and Chris painted two more of the battery compartments, so good progress all round !

D1010 – now proudly displaying her running number in the fully-functional headcode boxes, the loco is taking on a much more ‘dressed’ appearance as work progresses. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 19th November 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the spaces bounded by the yellow marks are patches that are waiting for their sponsors. The patches are marked using a vibratory engraver so the markings are in the metal, not just in the paint, and are still visible after sanding the paint away. To SPONSOR A PATCH, see below ! Pictured at Williton on Saturday 19th November 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

To continue our rate of progress requires FUNDING which is becoming harder to get as belts are being tightened everywhere. If you are able to do so, please consider SPONSORING 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, but please bear with us because our admin resources are severely stretched at the moment. Click the image below to sponsor a patch. Thank you in advance for your support !

We still have a lot of work to do on this massive locomotive, so PLEASE DO COME ALONG AND HELP IF YOU CAN !

See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details !

 

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – the low water pressure issue was investigated by Ian R and Tom, starting with the water pump which was examined for signs of wear or damage but passed as OK. The next area of attention was the triple pump motor, to make sure that it was running at the proper speed. The ballast resistors that allow the motor to reach the designed speed were found to have been damaged by overheating, so they were replaced and the water pressure edged up, but was still insufficient to allow the engine to be started.

Finally, after cleaning out the pipework that connected the water pressure gauge and sensor to the pump, everything came together and the engine started !

Well done to ‘Team Crompton’ for getting to the stage where a test run can be planned !

 

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is currently stabled at Bishops Lydeard and in regular use on the ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ services.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is waiting for completion of her Vehicle Inspection and Brake Test (VIBT) and a test run before she can be declared fit for traffic.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – with attention being concentrated elsewhere, the planned engine run was deferred to next weekend, when the transmission control pressures will be checked and adjusted if necessary. The loco will then need to have a number of small but important tasks dealt with during the winter months, in readiness for her return to service in the spring.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – plenty of work is taking place on multiple fronts as usual, with each member of the team engaged on different tasks. Here’s some photos to show what has been taking place:

D9518 – viewed from the ‘B’ cab of D1010 at Williton on Saturday 19th November 2022, Colin G can be seen applying grey undercoat to the side frames of the ‘B’ end of the locomotive. No doubt we will see these being painted in ‘NCB Ashington Blue’ soon. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the nose end doors of the loco are in need of some TLC, especially at the bottom, below the apertures for the glass panels. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 19th November 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the two cab doors, one in the ‘before’ condition with door furniture removed, the other in the ‘after’ condition, with a great gloss finish and nice shiny handles. Pictured Saturday 19th November 2022 by Colin Girle © 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 currently based on the Kent & East Sussex Railway although her time in the far South-East is coming to an end because sister loco D9504 has now completed her overhaul and will be returning to work shortly. We expect that our ‘Teddy Bear’ will be heading home to Williton in mid-January 2023.

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco has seen regular use at the NYMR though to the end of October, when public services ceased. Hopefully, the loco will see occasional use during the winter to keep her in good condition.

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – the fuel system of this loco is being disassembled for cleaning and to find the source of contamination that resulted in damage to the fuel injection pump. On Saturday at Williton, new volunteer Tony used his wide ranging skills to make a bracket that will be used to hold a cartridge-type fuel filter that can be replaced on a periodic basis to protect the injection pump. Thank you Tony, and welcome to the DEPG !

Andrew Barclay 578 (ROF 1) – the newly-made bracket is ready to be installed and will be used to support a cartridge-type fuel filter to protect the fuel injection pump from contamination in the fuel system. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 19th November 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

If you can help by donating your time, 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 – this week, we are featuring a brand new book from well-known author and DEPG member BERNARD MILLS, in fact it is the fifth volume in his very popular ‘BACKTRACKING AROUND’ series of ‘THEN & NOW’ studies, this time covering the lines around Plymouth, Looe, Liskeard and Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow !

This new book is offered for sale at £18.95 with all profits going to the D1010 Restoration Fund. We look forward to receiving and sharing a book review from a purchaser in the very near future.

 

 

We have also been busy preparing more of our pre-owned book stock for online sales in time for Christmas, so keep an eye on our pre-owned book page because we are updating it regularly.

 

 

A quick reminder that we are now taking advance orders for the DEPG 2023 CALENDAR, further details of which will be posted here and on our webstore soon. To prevent waste and maximise the contribution to DEPG funds, we will be limiting the number of calendars that we order to match demand and no more. The printing costs have risen but if we control the quantity that we order, we can keep the price the same as last year, which is £12 including VAT excluding postage. Click here or on the image below to place your ADVANCE ORDER. Thank you to all of our contributors for allowing us to use their work for this important purpose.

 

WILLITON STATION FUNDRAISING – as mentioned last week, our friends at our local WSR station have been busy making a range of embroidered Christmas cards, gift tags and decorations that will be of interest to many, as well as being a departure from what one would normally expect to find on the DEPG website !

The many items are being photographed and examples have been placed on our online store in the ‘Christmas Items‘ category. All monies raised from the sale of these items goes to Williton Station funds. Thank you for your support !

A fine display of Christmas items that have been made by volunteers at Williton Station. Each item is for sale at the Station or via the DEPG online store. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

ON SHED – continuing with a series of photographs that have been provided by Kelvin Lumb, we have a photo of our Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 on shed at Barry Open Day in August 1990, along with the WLA’s Class 52 D1013 ‘WESTERN RANGER’ and a host of other locos that are listed on the BR OPEN DAYS website. Those were the days when a massive array of locos could be assembled from all over the country without the huge expenses that we encounter now. Many thanks to Kelvin for sharing another item from his collection with us all.

The DEPG’s Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 shares the road with the WLA’s Class 52 D1013 ‘WESTERN RANGER’ at Barry in South Wales on the occasion of their open day, 19th August 1990. Photo by Kelvin Lumb © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

DEPG NEWS – a very useful item that won’t break the bank is our new DEPG keyring LED torch, now in stock and selling for £2.50 with the option of five different colours. The aluminium body, simple on/off switch, swivel keyring, great brightness and replaceable batteries make this a decent purchase. Available from our online store.

 

 

IMPORTANT DATES for 2023:

WSR DIESEL GALA : Thursday 8th through Saturday 10th June 2023

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

 

 

Our new online membership system is working well and feedback has been very positive, but please be aware that WE STILL OFFER THE TRADITIONAL PAPER-BASED MEMBERSHIP via cheques and mail, available via this link. If you want a form mailed to you, just let me know or email our Membership Secretary CHRIS SHIELDS via members@depg.org

Of particular importance is the GIFT AID option. If you are a taxpayer, please consider setting your GIFT AID status to YES so that the DEPG can claim the tax that you paid on your subscription and/or donation. This increases the value of your payment by 25% and that makes a significant amount of difference to our fundraising. Thanks !

For our new online membership system, click here or on the image below and log in (no password required) to create a new membership or to check the details of your current membership. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE DEPG !

 

 

WSR NEWS: 

The WSR is now taking bookings for the 2022 ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ trains which will be steam hauled on the journey to Crowcombe Heathfield and diesel hauled on the return leg, using one of our Class 33 ‘Cromptons’. Also running are the ‘SANTA EXPRESS‘ services between Bishops Lydeard and Williton, and two special trains on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd December for visitors to the ‘DUNSTER by CANDLELIGHT‘ event. 

Demand is expected to be strong so don’t leave it until later to make a booking. If you and/or your family or friends want to experience one or more of these events, then now is the time to make a booking. Click here for the events page on the WSR website or click on the images below.

   

 

Go to previous Weekly Roundup post