Beyer-Peacock ‘Hymek’ D7018 runs through Williton non-stop en route from Bishops Lydeard to Dunster on Saturday 31st July 2021 as sister ‘Hymek’ D7017, Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 and BRCW Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) look on with envy. Webcam image courtesy of Railcam UK and the WSR ©
Saturday 31st saw another successful day out on the WSR with Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 hauling an excursion service between Bishops Lydeard and Dunster. Although passenger loading was lighter than the previous week, the service still made a positive contribution to both the WSR and DEPG funds, so a big THANK YOU to all who bought a ticket and rode the train.
Extension to Norton Fitzwarren was not possible on the 31st July because a steam loco had arrived from Southall in preparation for a mainline run from Taunton on the following day. The visiting loco had to occupy the Norton Fitzwarren section to turn around and take on coal, so that whole section of line was unavailable to us. However, on Saturday 7th August, we are going to be extending through to Norton Fitzwarren and tickets have been selling well.
Here’s some photos from the day and there are more on our Twitter and Facebook pages (these are links to public pages so you don’t need a Twitter of Facebook account to view them):
D7018 at the platform at Williton, preparing to depart to Bishops Lydeard on the morning of 31st July 2021. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0
D7018 waits at Blue Anchor on 31st July 2021 as BR(WR) 4-6-0 7822 ‘FOXCOTE MANOR’ approaches tender-first from Dunster. Webcam image courtesy of Railcam UK, the WSR and the WSHRT ©
With her engine running after taking some ‘exercise’ in the South Yard at Williton, D7017 watches her sister D7018 approaching with the return leg of the Dunster excursion on 31st July 2021 with D6566 (33 048) also in view. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0
D7018 back at Williton and cooling down after another successful day at work on the WSR’s Dunster ‘excursion’ service on the 31st July 2021. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0
OTHER LOCO NEWS:
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – after clocking up 50 hours of use during her first few weeks at the KENT & EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY, we have been advised that this loco is booked as traction for public services on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of August, so we hope to be able to share some photos of this running soon. Well done D9526 !
Williton-based Class 14 D9526 preparing to haul a mixed rake of coaches both old and older on the K&ESR in July 2021. Photo via K&ESR Operating Department Twitter account
Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – our ‘celebrity’ remains at Bishops Lydeard because of delays in obtaining permission for her oversize road haulage move from Bishops Lydeard to Pickering on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Last week, we prepared the loco for a possible rail move, but we have now been advised that the loco will probably be moving by road. We do not have the date or route information yet, but when we do, it will be shared via a DIESELGEN bulletin.
47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ stabled in the bay platform at Bishops Lydeard on 31st July 2021 in the company of Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057). Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – many thanks to all who have contributed to the appeal for funds to support the £100,000 restoration of D1010 – we are very appreciative of your support. We have had a great start, but we have a long way to go, so please keep the funds rolling in !
In parallel with the work on the bodysides, our volunteers have started assessing the amount of work required to repair the loco cabs as this is the area that has suffered the worst of the corrosion. The route indicator boxes and sandbox filler trims were removed last week and the side access panels have been removed this weekend, allowing a closer inspection to take place.
Headcode boxes removed from D1010 for restoration at Williton on 25th July 2021. Photo by Leroy Ford © CC BY-NC 3.0
Gordon removing the hinges of one of the cab underfloor access panels on D1010 on 25th July 2021. Photo by Leroy Ford © CC BY-NC 3.0
Multiple layers of different coloured paint on D1010 tell a 59-year story at Williton on 31st July 2021. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0
Perforation corrosion around the sandbox filler port of D1010 at Williton on 31st July 2021. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0
Corrosion of the internal cab frame is visible through the access panel at ‘B’ end of D1010 at Williton on 31st July 2021. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0
We intend to raise £100,000 for the whole restoration project so please help us by using one of the below links to make a donation:
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After selecting a donation link, you will be able to use the quantity buttons to select the precise value that you are able to donate. Please remember to add the GiftAid option if you are eligible because this will give us a 20% boost via a contribution from HM Government. Thank you very much for supporting the D1010 Restoration Appeal !
In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Westerns’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please consider joining so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D1010 to full operational condition.
Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is stabled at Williton and is fully operational and available for standby duty. DATE FOR YOUR DIARY – our two ‘Cromptons’ will be working an ‘excursion’ special on Saturday 21st August in top-and-tail mode to celebrate their 60th birthdays !
Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – no change – this loco is outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations and will be working with D6566 (33 048) on the special on 21st August.
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is waiting for its turn to go into the Swindon Shed for bogie disconnection and lifting to replace the weak leaf spring. The opportunity was taken to start her up on 31st July 2021 and give her some ‘exercise’ in the confines of the South Yard at Williton. The passengers on the ‘Hymek’-hauled ‘excursion’ had the additional treat of two helpings of ‘Maybach Music’ as the locos passed at Williton.
Two ‘Hymek’ sisters D7017 and D7018 pass at Williton on 31st July 2021. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – we are very happy to report that donations to our D9518 restoration fund have had a great start and that we are now able to fund the re-installation of the springs, hornguides and wheels. This specialised riveting and alignment work will be performed by WSR Restorations at the Swindon Shed, Williton.
We intend to raise £10,000 for the whole restoration project so please help us by using one of the below links to make a donation:
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After selecting a donation link, you will be able to use the quantity buttons to select the precise value that you are able to donate. Please remember to add the GiftAid option if you are eligible because this will give us a 20% boost via a contribution from HM Government. Thank you very much for supporting the D9518 Restoration Appeal !
Here’s some photos of last week’s progress on this loco:
Colin F hard at work on battery box components at Williton on 31st July 2021. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0
The rebuilt battery box for D9518 takes shape at Williton on 31st July 2021. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0
If you love the ‘Teddy Bears’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please consider joining so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D9518 to operational condition – and see her haul passenger coaches for the first time in her life!
Andrew Barclay 578 (ROF 1) – this loco is undergoing bodywork repairs prior to priming and painting. The livery chosen for this loco will be the Government-standard (in 1972) deep bronze green that the loco carried during her days in service at the Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) in Puriton, near Bridgwater, Somerset.
Many thanks to all of our volunteers who are hard at work cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !