The WSR’s Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) was working the 12:25 service from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead when pictured at Crowcombe Heathfield on Tuesday 30th September. The blue sky and bright sunshine has been with us for most of the autumn and is set to continue for a while longer. Photo by Jo Ward © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

In a surprise adjustment to the Operating Timetable, Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) has been rostered to substitute for the WSR’s Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) on Sunday 12th October because of non-availability of the DMU. Although the Class 33s are fitted with Electric Train Heating (ETH) equipment, this won’t be of help because the 1950s-era coaching stock on the WSR is not ETH-compatible and needs steam from the locomotive for heating. Luckily, the weather forecast is for mild and sunny weather, so the 40-mile afternoon trip from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and return should be pleasantly warm !

 

Each vehicle of the DMU is fitted with warm air heaters that provide heat through ducts at floor level, so the DMU is the ideal machine to use on the lighter-loaded services during the autumn. No doubt the WSR will have their Class 115 DMU repaired and back in service soon, but the three vehicles of the set are soon to be due for some major work which will keep them out of traffic for a while. Planning ahead, the WSR has acquired a Class 117 power car and two Class 108 trailers, the intention being to make one good Class 108 driving trailer to use with the Class 117 in a 2-car set to allow the Class 115 to undergo overhaul. Such ‘composite’ sets were operated in BR days, taking advantage of the ‘Blue Square’ multiple-working system that is used by many of the DMU classes.

 

DMUs were the mainstay of the Taunton-Minehead services from the mid-1960s through to closure of the line by BR in January 1971, so the DMU is a very important and highly relevant part of the WSR‘s heritage, as can be seen in the selection of vintage photos below:

Minehead station back in the late 1960s with a DMU waiting at the desolate and forlorn platform, ready to depart with the stopping service to Taunton. Photo by Chris Osment © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The DMU working the Minehead-Taunton shuttle was pictured waiting in the bay platform at Taunton in October 1970. This was just three months before the Minehead branch was closed to all traffic. The branch was partially re-opened as the West Somerset Railway in 1976. The bay platform and track still exists at Taunton Station today, but the platform to the right and the canopy have been removed. Photo by John Wood © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

An unidentified ‘Hymek’ was pictured hauling a failed DMU into Bishops Lydeard station from the Minehead direction, some time in the late 1960s. The Class 35 ‘Hymeks’ were frequent visitors to the line but were more typically employed on the summer holiday services. Photo by Chris Osment © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Many more photos from the pre-closure days can be found by using this link to the website that is provided by Steve Edge. This amazing resource hosts a lot more in addition to photos, and includes maps, track diagrams and archives going back years. Start with the PICTURE PAGE LIST and you will be lost for hours. Well done Steve for developing and maintaining this fantastic resource www.wsr.org.uk !

 

 

The next event to be held on the WSR will be the AUTUMN STEAM WEEKEND that will take place from Friday 17th through Sunday 19th October and was to have been an all-steam lineup including LSWR T3 Class 4-4-0 No. 563 and GWR Castle Class No. 5029 ‘NUNNEY CASTLE’, but will now also include Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) covering for GWR 4-6-0 7812 ‘ERLESTOKE MANOR’ which has had to undergo repairs that cannot be completed in time. The weather forecast is surprisingly good, so let’s hope that the event is well attended so that it can become a regular feature in the calendar going forward.

 

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

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

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

 

IMPORTANT DATES FOR 2026:

Date	Event	Notes
Friday 1st through Monday 4th May	SPRING STEAM SPECTACULAR	DEPG Williton Depot will be open to the public
Thursday 4th through Saturday 6th June	SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL	DEPG Williton Depot will be open to the public
Sunday 7th June	Mixed Traction Day	DEPG Williton Depot will be open to the public

 

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’– the unexpected improvement in the weather has allowed the bogies to remain accessible for work even though they are both still outdoors. At least one of the bogies will be moving inside the loco shed soon, so that the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) can take place using the Dye Penetrant Inspection process.

The primary suspension leaf springs are undergoing refurbishment at OWEN SPRINGS LTD. in Rotherham and will be on their way back to Williton during the next few weeks. Each bogie has six primary suspension leaf springs that bear down on the axle boxes and these are the most important springs in the suspension system. The secondary suspension transfers the weight of the loco body to the bogies and consists of two massive leaf springs and eight coil springs on each bogie. The secondary springs of the ‘B’ bogie have been tested and found to be within limits and will be returning to Williton with the refurbished primary springs. The secondary springs of the ‘A’ bogie have yet to be removed but will also undergo inspection and testing.

 

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

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco has now returned to Williton so that her planned maintenance work can be continued and has been rostered for duty on Sunday 12th October to cover for the DMU. The ’33’ will run ‘Light Engine’ (LE) from Williton on Sunday morning to work the 12:25 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and return service, then run ‘LE’ back to Williton.

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco remains outstationed at Minehead and is available to support WSR operations should the need arise – as it has during the forthcoming Autumn Steam Weekend event that takes place from Friday through Sunday 17-19th October 2025. Click this link for details.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – now back at Williton after working the 80-mile diagrams that originated from Minehead on Saturday and Sunday 27/28 September. The loco also worked an Empty Coaching Stock (ECS) train on Tuesday 30th September and was pictured while returning ‘Light Engine’ to Williton later that day.

While returning ‘Light Engine’ to Williton from Bishops Lydeard on Tuesday 30th September 2025, Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 was pictured while waiting for BR(W) 4-6-0 7828 ‘ODNEY MANOR’ to bring her train into Crowcombe Heathfield station. An interesting ‘mixed traction’ photo by Tim Edmonds © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco will be in use on the GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY (GCR) on Saturday 22nd November, this being a charter that has been organised by DTG and DEPG member STEVE FULCHER. Here are the details, please contact Steve directly using the details below if you would like to ride on this special train. WELL DONE STEVE for arranging this, we hope that it is the first of many such charters !

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work on the electrical system re-wire has resumed and plenty of progress has also been made on the rebuild of the Paxman ‘Ventura’ 6YJXL engine that last served in sister loco D9526. Here are some photos that have been provided by Terry:

D9518 – Tuesday Team volunteers (L-R) Nick and Gwyn were tasked with preparing and re-fitting the cylinder liners into the Paxman V6 engine block at Williton on Tuesday 7th October 2025. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the genuine Paxman engine turnover rig came in handy when re-fitting the cylinder liners into the Paxman V6 engine block at Williton on Tuesday 7th October 2025. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – all six cylinder liners have now been re-fitted to the Paxman V6 engine block at Williton. Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 7th October 2025 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the six pistons are lined up, ready to have their piston rings fitted, then they will be ready to go into the engine block. Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 7th October 2025 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the electrical and pneumatic components have now been refitted and wired up on the engine compartment side of the cab at Williton. Pictured on Tuesday 7th October 2025 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

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

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be in regular use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and is a popular choice for the diesel-hauled services on that railway, subject to driver availability.

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is stabled outdoors on Number 3 road at Williton and is available for use as required.

 

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

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

 

 

NEW CLOTHING RANGE:

Our supplier has encountered some production holdups so APOLOGIES again if your order has been delayed (let us know if you are still waiting in case we have slipped up), but don’t let that stop you from placing your NEW order via our ONLINE STORE, just click this link to give it a go !

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

   

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

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

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

 

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

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

Garment type	Price
T shirt	£22
Polo shirt	£25
Sweatshirt	£35
Hoodie	£37
Fleece	£40
Other ? Tell us what you want !	Use our CONTACT FORM

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

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

 

 

ON SHED – this week, we jump back to July 1972 where we find Class 47 1677 ‘THOR’ (47091, 47647, 47846 then 57308 ‘TIN TIN’) at Crewe Works being prepared for a refresh to her ‘Full Yellow Ends’ even though her paintwork remained in a heavily faded condition. The cab door was already yellow and was not being prepared for repainting. Perhaps the loco had received repairs to collision damage ? Does anyone have the answer ?

This loco was delivered new to Cardiff Canton depot in April of 1965 and became one of the WR ‘namers’, in fact a very slightly younger sister to our own D1661 (47077, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’. She still operates on the main line today – but in her ‘bodysnatcher’ guise as 57308. Any information that you can provide to help build a picture of what happened to this loco in 1972 would be welcomed.

Many thanks to ANDY GALPIN for sharing another intriguing photo with us all.

Please continue to send in your photos of locos on shed, at the platform or in action, because we appreciate them all, any Class, any place, any time, the more varied, the better. Use our CONTACT FORM to get in touch. Thanks !

Class 47 1677 ‘THOR’ (47091, 47647, 47846 and then 57308 ‘TIN TIN’) was pictured in Crewe Works on 23rd July 1972 while receiving a refresh to her ‘full yellow ends’ but curiously remaining in her faded two-tone green livery. Collision damage repairs perhaps ? Photo by Andy Galpin © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

NEW BOOKS ON SALE – with apologies for delays in shipping sales orders this week and next.

The FIFTH volume of ‘THE BEATEN TRACK’ by ANDY CHARD continues to sell well, as does the excellent ‘The Railways of SOUTH WALES 1975-1995‘ trilogy by Michael Rhodes, the latest release being PART 3 which is in stock at Williton now. We will be updating this feature next week and including information about a new release that will be of interest to crews and followers of the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’. Watch this space !

 

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

 

 

DEPG NEWS: the next meeting of the Board of Directors and Trustees will take place at Williton on Saturday 18th October 2025. Please use our CONTACT FORM if you are a DEPG member and have a question that you would like to put to the Board.

 

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

 

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

     

 

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

We look forward to hearing from you !

 

Go to the previous Roundup post

Go to Join Us page

Go to Welcome page

Go to Home page

---

 

The DEPG’s gleaming blue-liveried Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 has been a very popular subject for photographers since her return to service in August this year. Making a wonderful picture at Crowcombe Heathfield on Tuesday 30th September, D7017 was working an Empty Coaching Stock train from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard. Photo by Jo Ward © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Last weekend saw the end of the scheduled diesel loco-hauled workings on the WSR for the 2025 season, the occasion being marked by the use of Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 on the 80-mile diagram that originated from Minehead on both days. The loco worked an Empty Coaching Stock train on Tuesday 30th and has now returned to Williton where she will remain until the start of the 2026 season, but the time ‘on shed’ will be used to train additional volunteers in the support role so that more use can be made of the very popular ‘Hymeks’ in future.

Sister loco D7018 has also been making the news and has become a crowd-puller on the Great Central Railway. Such was the impact of the ‘HYMEK at 50’ event last August, we have now received significant coverage in several well-known railway publications, as few of which are pictured below:

Above: Railways Illustrated – D7018 on the GCR	Above: Railway Magazine – D7018 at Doniford Halt on the WSR
Above: Trackside – D7018 leading D7017 out of Blue Anchor on the WSR

 

Well done to DEPG Publicity Officer MARK BLADWELL for his efforts in making sure that the 50th anniversary of ‘Hymek’ preservation was suitable covered by the railway press !

 

Another diesel-hydraulic made an appearance on the WSR last week, this time in the form of Class 153 ‘Sprinter’ 153 317, which has been modified from the passenger-carrying role to that of a Rail Head Treatment Train (RHTT) and has been using the section of the WSR between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren (adjacent to the main Bristol to Exeter line) as a proving ground for the modification.

The photo below shows the ‘Sprinter’ alongside the WSR’s Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU), the ‘Sprinter’ representing an example of the family of highly successful second generation DMUs that use Voith hydraulic transmissions.

An interesting point is that both vehicles in this photo have given 38 years of mainline service, the Class 115 entering service in 1960 and the last of the class being retired in 1998, whereas the Class 153 started life as a Class 155 in 1987 and most of the Class are still in widespread use across the network today – with some classes such as 158 and 159 receiving ‘mid-life extension’ refurbishments. Not a bad investment !

Visiting Class 153 ‘Sprinter’ 153317 was standing alongside the WSR‘s first generation Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) at Westridge Shelter, Bishops Lydeard on 1st October 2025. The modified Class 153 was participating in technical trials. Photo by George Thomas © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

From much of October, the RED timetable is in force (3 trains each way) with running on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in addition to weekends. This timetable is based on the use of two steam locomotives or one steam loco and the WSR‘s Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU).

 

The next event to be held on the WSR will be the AUTUMN STEAM WEEKEND that will take place from Friday 17th through Sunday 19th October and was to have been an ALL STEAM lineup including LSWR T3 Class 4-4-0 No. 563 and GWR Castle Class No. 5029 ‘NUNNEY CASTLE’, but will now also include Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) covering for GWR 4-6-0 7812 ‘ERLESTOKE MANOR’ which has had to undergo repairs that will not be completed in time.

 

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

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

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

 

 

The Weekly Roundup is in a shortened format again this week due to holidays, but time spent enjoying Cornwall has also provided an opportunity to ride on some of the last remaining Class 255 ‘Castle’ sets that are still in use in the ‘Far West’. Here’s an image extracted from a video clip taken last Saturday at Truro, with 43093 ‘Berkeley Castle’ leading the set and 43092 ‘Cromwell’s Castle’ trailing:

GWR Class 255 ‘Castle’ HST set led by 43093 ‘Berkeley Castle’ (formerly named ‘Old Oak Common HST Depot 1976-2018‘) arriving at Truro station with a service for Plymouth on Saturday 27th September 2025. Extract from a video clip by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

Click here or on the image above to view the video clip.

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – work continues on the overhaul of the bogies in an effort to do as much work outdoors as possible while the weather allowed, but it looks like the bogies are going to need to go into the shed to allow work to proceed from now onwards !

 

Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations.

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco has now returned to Williton so that her planned maintenance work can be continued.

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) was pictured on number 1 road at Williton on the evening of Friday 26th September 2025. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco remains outstationed at Minehead and is available to support WSR operations should the need arise – as it has during the forthcoming Autumn Steam Weekend event that takes place from Friday through Sunday 17-19th October 2025. Click this link for details.

 

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – now back at Williton after working the 80-mile diagrams that originated from Minehead on Saturday and Sunday 27/28 September.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco will be in use on the GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY (GCR) on Saturday 22nd November, this being a charter that has been organised by DTG and DEPG member STEVE FULCHER. Here are the details, please contact Steve directly using the details below if you would like to ride on this special train. WELL DONE STEVE for arranging this, we hope that it is the first of many such charters !

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work on the electrical system re-wire has resumed although this loco is having to share resource with her sister for the time being.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is now indoors on No. 2 road at Williton and underwent a brake block change last weekend. An underframe cleanup and repaint is next on the list.

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 received a new set of brake blocks at Williton on Saturday 27th September 2025. Photos above and below by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be in regular use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and is a popular choice for the diesel-hauled services on that railway, subject to driver availability.

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is stabled outdoors on Number 3 road at Williton and is available for use as required.

 

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

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

 

NEW CLOTHING RANGE:

Shipments are now flowing out again as our supplier gets to grips with their order backlog. APOLOGIES if your order has been delayed, but don’t delay if you haven’t yet ordered and are missing out on this new clothing. PLACE YOUR ORDER via our ONLINE STORE, just click this link to give it a go !

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

   

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

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

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

 

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

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

Garment type	Price
T shirt	£22
Polo shirt	£25
Sweatshirt	£35
Hoodie	£37
Fleece	£40
Other ? Tell us what you want !	Use our CONTACT FORM

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

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

 

 

ON SHED – this week, we come right up to date with a photo taken at Long Rock depot, Penzance earlier this week on a gloriously warm and bright day – in fact unbelievably good for the end of September !

The subject is Class 08 shunter 08836, a machine that has shown up at most of the depots of the former Western Region during her long working life, and probably other regions as well. In her latest guise as depot pilot, she is looking very smart and well cared-for in her GWR green livery with additional ‘wasp stripes’ along the sides.

Please continue to send in your photos of locos on shed, at the platform or in action, because we appreciate them all, any Class, any place, any time, the more varied, the better. Use our CONTACT FORM to get in touch. Thanks !

Class 08 ‘shunter’ 08836 was pictured basking in the sunshine at Long Rock depot, Penzance on Monday 29th September 2025. The path that runs along the top of the sea wall that stretches from Marazion to Penzance provides a great vantage point from which to observe workings while being on holiday (!). Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

NEW BOOKS ON SALE – with apologies for delays in shipping sales orders this week and next.

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

Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £35.95 per copy)	Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £21.95 per copy)

 

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

 

 

DEPG NEWS: the next meeting of the Board of Directors and Trustees will take place at Williton on Saturday 18th October 2025. Please use our CONTACT FORM if you are a DEPG member and have a question that you would like to put to the Board.

 

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

 

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

     

 

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

We look forward to hearing from you !

 

Go to the previous Roundup post

 

 

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 will be bringing the curtain down on scheduled diesel loco-hauled workings for the 2025 season when she completes the 80-mile diagrams that start at Minehead on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th September. Pictured at Blue Anchor on a positioning move from Williton to Minehead on Tuesday 23rd September 2025 by Rich Hiscox © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

This weekend sees the end of the scheduled diesel loco-hauled workings on the WSR, the occasion being marked by the use of Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th September, when the diesel-hydraulic will work the 80-mile diagram that originates from Minehead on both days. The loco moved ‘Light Engine’ from Williton to Minehead on Tuesday 23rd September to be in position for this weekend. Normal ticketing applies, so please do try to come along and make the most of the opportunity to ride behind D7017.

 

From next Tuesday, the RED timetable will come into force (3 trains each way) with running on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in addition to weekends. This timetable is based on the use of two steam locomotives or one steam loco and the WSR‘s Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU).

 

The next event to be held on the WSR will be the AUTUMN STEAM WEEKEND that will take place from Friday 17th through Sunday 19th October and will (understandably) feature an ALL STEAM lineup including LSWR T3 Class 4-4-0 No. 563 and GWR Castle Class No. 5029 ‘NUNNEY CASTLE’.

 

The Annual General Meetings (AGMs) of the West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust (WSRHT), the West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA) and the West Somerset Railway WSR) will take place at Bishops Lydeard Village Hall on Saturday 27th September, in sequence and arranged to allow members who might be involved in all three organisations the chance to attend each AGM in turn (a formidable endurance challenge!).

 

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

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

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

 

The Weekly Roundup will be in a shortened format this week and next because it is holiday time again and for us, that means an opportunity to visit the ‘far South’ of the UK and stay at The Lizard, the most southerly point in the UK. The weather has been amazing so far with blue skies and temperatures of 18C, but no doubt that will soon change !

 

Here’s a photo taken yestarday at the HELSTON RAILWAY, a delightful example of a heritage railway that is still developing and gradually clawing back the trackbed of the line that used to branch from the Truro to Penzance main line at Gwinear Road station (near Cambourne) and run to Helston. The line closed to passengers in 1962 and to freight in 1964. The entire branch was devoid of trackwork and fittings by mid-1965, but the southerly section is gradually being cleared and restored now.

Truthall Halt is currently the terminus of the HELSTON RAILWAY and is therefore the most southerly railway station in the UK ! Non-functional Class 127 DMBS M51616 and a suburban Mark 1 coach were propelled by Barclay 0-4-0DM No 446 ‘KINGSWOOD’ on the short but steeply graded and winding climb from Prospidnick Halt on Thursday 25th September 2025. Well worth a visit ! Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – work continues on the overhaul of the bogies, in an effort to do as much work outdoors as possible while the weather holds. So far, so good !

 

 

Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations.

 

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco has now returned to Williton so that her planned maintenance work can be continued.

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – although scheduled diesel loco-hauled services are close to completion for this season, this loco remains outstationed at Minehead and is available to support WSR operations should the need arise.

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) was pictured approaching Nornvis Bridge while working the 1640 service from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead on Thursday 25th September 2025. A delightful late summer photo by Bernard Bates © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – currently in position at Minehead, this loco will work the weekend BLUE timetable services that originate from Minehead on Saturday and Sunday 27/28 September. The loco will return to Williton next Tuesday (30th) after working an Empty Coaching Stock train to Bishops Lydeard.

We are very grateful to everyone who has donated to or worked on D7017 during her bodywork overhaul. Your efforts are a fitting tribute to this loco, in HER FIFTIETH YEAR IN PRESERVATION !

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco will be in use on the GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY (GCR) on Saturday 22nd November, this being a charter that has been organised by DTG and DEPG member STEVE FULCHER. Here are the details, please contact Steve directly using the details below if you would like to ride on this special train. WELL DONE STEVE for arranging this, we hope that it is the first of many such charters !

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work on the electrical system re-wire resumed last Saturday although this loco is having to share resource with her sister for the time being.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is now indoors on No. 2 road at Williton and undergoing some maintenance and a completion of the repaint that was not complete when the loco was pressed into service during the very dry weather that affected steam loco operations in July and August.

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be in regular use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and is a popular choice for the diesel-hauled services on that railway. Our loco was in use on Wednesday 24th September and we would welcome any photos of her out and about.

47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ was in use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) on Wednesday 24th September 2025. Photo by Tom Courtney © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is stabled outdoors on Number 3 road at Williton and is available for use as required.

 

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

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

 

NEW CLOTHING RANGE:

Shipments are now flowing out again as our supplier gets to grips with their order backlog. APOLOGIES if your order has been delayed, but don’t delay if you haven’t yet ordered and are missing out on this new clothing. PLACE YOUR ORDER via our ONLINE STORE, just click this link to give it a go !

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

   

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

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

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

 

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

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

Garment type	Price
T shirt	£22
Polo shirt	£25
Sweatshirt	£35
Hoodie	£37
Fleece	£40
Other ? Tell us what you want !	Use our CONTACT FORM

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

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

 

 

ON SHED – due to holidays, we will have to skip this feature this week and next. Please continue to send in your photos of locos on shed, at the platform or in action, because we appreciate them all, any Class, any place, any time, the more varied, the better. Use our CONTACT FORM to get in touch. Thanks !

 

 

NEW BOOKS ON SALE – with apologies for delays in shipping sales orders this week and next.

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

Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £35.95 per copy)	Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £21.95 per copy)

 

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

 

DEPG NEWS: the next meeting of the Board of Directors and Trustees will take place at Williton on Saturday 18th October 2025. Please use our CONTACT FORM if you are a DEPG member and have a question that you would like to put to the Board.

 

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

 

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

     

 

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

We look forward to hearing from you !

 

Go to the previous Roundup post

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was a star performer at the GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY (GCR) diesel gala (4th-7th September) where she provided four consecutive days of ‘Maybach Music’. The ‘Hymek’ is running again at the GCR on Saturday 20th September and Saturday 22nd November. Pictured while running around her train at Leicester North station on Saturday 6th September 2025 by Neale Long © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the DEPG was held at Williton Diesel Depot on Saturday 13th September, with the statutory business being carried out quickly and efficiently. The previous Board of Trustees were re-elected for another term and the vacant seat was take up by Linda, a volunteer who lives locally and has achieved many things in her two years of volunteering at the DEPG, including passing out as a Fork Lift Driver earlier this month and commencing training for diesel footplate duties. In addition to her work at the DEPG, Linda is also an active member of the team at Williton Station and will bring all of her experience to the Board, so we will give her a warm welcome !

Linda passed her FLT driver training after only 2 days of instruction. Pictured at Williton on 9th September 2025 by Nick Boyce © CC BY-NC 3.0	Linda checking out her future office at Minehead on 30th August 2025. Photo by Carolyn Nation © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The AGM agenda included some formal business presided over by Chairman Martin Howard, followed by his annual report, then presentations of financial data by Treasurer Paul Tucker for the assembled members to review and approve. Then came the voting, resulting in the following appointments to the Board of Directors and Trustees (as a registered charity, Directors also take the responsibility of being Trustees):

Directors (also Trustees):

CHAIRMAN:	Martin Howard	Term: 1 year
VICE-CHAIRMAN:	Andrew (Andy) Royal	Term: 1 year
TREASURER	Paul Tucker	Term: 1 year
COMPANY SECRETARY:	Ian Robins	Term: 1 year
WITHOUT PORTFOLIO:	Neil McCannon	Term: 3 years
WITHOUT PORTFOLIO:	Thomas (Tom) Courtney-Clark	Term: 3 years
WITHOUT PORTFOLIO:	Linda Trott	Term: 3 years

Other Roles (not requiring formal election):

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY	Mark Townsend
PUBLICITY OFFICER	Mark Bladwell

 

Here are some photos, all taken on Saturday 13th September 2025 by Carol Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0 

DEPG Chairman Martin Howard delivered his annual report to the assembled members, with the projector showing that all eight of the serviceable fleet of locos were available for service.

The Locomotive Status page is updated regularly and gives a snapshot of the DEPG fleet in terms of availability and location. Click here to visit the Locomotive Status page.

 

And the verdict at the end of the formal AGM …….

Although not registered as a voting DEPG member, this participant summed it up quite nicely !

 

 

Then, to wake up those at the back, WSR Director and DEPG member MALCOLM SMITH took the floor to express thanks on behalf of the WSR for the tremendous level of support that has been provided by the DEPG during what has been a very challenging year for the railway. Malcolm outlined the long-term plans for the development of the WSR and highlighted the importance of operating diesel locos and DMUs alongside steam to maintain the appeal of the railway while at the same time managing costs. MANY THANKS to Malcolm for coming along and delivering his presentation.

WSR Director and DEPG member MALCOLM SMITH gave his presentation after the conclusion of the formal AGM. Seated at the ‘top table’ were (L-R) Ian Robins (Company Secretary), Martin Howard (Chairman) and Paul Tucker (Treasurer).

 

 

The AGM offers an opportunity for members to visit the depot and discuss their favourite locos with the volunteers who restore, maintain and operate them. It also provides an opportunity for members to take a close look at the work in progress and to discuss future plans and ideas.

This year, additional interest was provided by a mainline charter from Paddington to Minehead and return, top and tailed by West Coast Class 47s 47802 (D1950, 47259, 47552) (delivered new to the LMR’s Birmingham Division in September 1966) and 47812 (D1916, 47239, 47657) (delivered new to Cardiff Canton in November 1965). This image, taken from the footbridge at Williton Station, shows the similarity in end treatment of the Class 35 ‘Hymek’ and the Class 47, both of which were designed by Ted Wilkes of the Wilkes & Ashmore Industrial Design Consultancy back in the early 1960s (the Class 50 design also comes from the same stable).

The diesel-hauled ‘WEST SOMERSET STEAM EXPRESS‘ railtour ran from Paddington to Minehead and return on Saturday 13th September 2025. The outbound railtour was pictured passing through Williton with West Coast Railway Company Class 47s 47802 (D1950, 47259, 47552) at the top and 47812 (D1916, 47239, 47657) at the tail. The cab design similarity with Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 is clear from this side-by-side view. Photo by Martin Ball © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) was also at work, covering the 80 miles of the standard BLUE timetable (four trains each way per day) originating from Minehead while a steam loco worked the opposing diagram from Bishops Lydeard. Class 33 D6575 (33057) will continue working from Minehead throughout September EXCEPT FOR THIS COMING WEEKEND 20/21st where the WSR will be in 1940s mode for their annual ‘FORTIES WEEKEND‘.

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

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

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

 

 

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the AGM restricted the amount of ‘real work’ that could be done last Saturday, but the opportunity was taken to remove the thrust plates from the thrust brackets and give them a good clean up. Additional spacers (shims) will need to be inserted to bring the clearances back within tolerance before the thrust brackets are re-fitted to the loco body, so separating the parts allowed us to take precise measurements of the existing spacers.

 

D1010 – the thrust bearing plate and spacer has now been removed (temporarily) from the thrust bracket for cleaning, inspection and measurement. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 13th September 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

 

Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations. This loco had been showing signs of fuel leakage at the ‘banjo union’ fittings on the fuel injection circuits, so the opportunity was taken to replace all of the seals with new parts.

 

D4107 (09019) – volunteers Ian R, Ashley, Ben and Tom attended at Bishops Lydeard on Sunday 14th September 2025 to replace the complete set of banjo union seals on the fuel injection system of the English Electric 6KT diesel engine. Pictured at Westridge Loco Shelter by Ben Elvey © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco has now returned to Williton so that her planned maintenance work can be continued.

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco was in use last weekend and midweek but will hopefully get some rest weekend during the FORTIES WEEKEND (20/21 September). The rest will be short-lived because this loco is booked to work on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday the following week on the BLUE TIMETABLE services that originate at Minehead. 

D6575 (33057) – the ‘Cromptons’ are the mainstay of the line and have put in some significant mileage this year. Pictured at Minehead on 16th September 2025 by Richard Jones  © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – currently stabled at Williton in full working order, this loco is next booked to operate the weekend BLUE timetable services that originate from Minehead on Saturday and Sunday 27/28 September.

We are very grateful to everyone who has donated to or worked on D7017 during her bodywork overhaul. Your efforts are a fitting tribute to this loco, in HER FIFTIETH YEAR IN PRESERVATION !

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco will be in use on the GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY (GCR) on Saturday 20th September and again on Saturday 22nd November, this being a charter that has been organised by DTG and DEPG member STEVE FULCHER. Here are the details, please contact Steve directly using the details below if you would like to ride on this special train. WELL DONE STEVE for arranging this, we hope that it is the first of many such charters !

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – it was not possible to work on this loco last Saturday due to the AGM taking place inside the loco shed, but the ‘Tuesday Team’ are back on the case, so there will be more progress to report soon !

 

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is stabled outdoors on No. 2 road at Williton and is fully operational and available for use by the WSR, should the need arise.

 

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be in regular use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway although the use of steam locomotives has steadily increased as the risk of lineside fires has reduced. Our loco was in use last Wednesday 17th September and we would welcome any photos of her out and about.

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is stabled outdoors on Number 3 road at Williton and is available for use as required.

 

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

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

 

 

NEW CLOTHING RANGE:

Shipments are now flowing out again as our supplier gets to grips with their order backlog. APOLOGIES if your order has been delayed, but don’t delay if you haven’t yet ordered and are missing out on this new clothing. PLACE YOUR ORDER via our ONLINE STORE, just click this link to give it a go !

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

   

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

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

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

 

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

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

Garment type	Price
T shirt	£22
Polo shirt	£25
Sweatshirt	£35
Hoodie	£37
Fleece	£40
Other ? Tell us what you want !	Use our CONTACT FORM

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

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

 

 

ON SHED

Sometimes, photos arrive ‘out of the blue’ and this was the case this week, when we received the below images taken at Swindon on 14th May 1966. Our contributor, Robin Hugo, was the small boy in the photos which were taken by his Grandfather, a former GWR employee at Swindon Works (1922 to 1935) and at that time working at Westinghouse Railway Brake & Signal Co at Chippenham (1935 to 1973).

The photos show Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7009 as being on shed for maintenance or attention or for overhaul, which could have been due as the loco was not far from five years old at the time. This loco spent it’s entire (but short) life at Bristol Bath Road depot, entering service there on 7th November 1961 and being withdrawn from there on 6th May 1973. The loco was reduced to scrap at Swindon by October of 1974.

Many thanks to Robin Hugo for sharing his photos with us all.

Beyer-Peacock (Hymek) Ltd Class 35 D7009 was at Swindon Works when ‘cabbed’ by Robin Hugo on 14th May 1966. An unidentified Class 45 ‘Peak’ stands alongside the ‘Hymek’ which looks too smart to have been there for a general overhaul. Perhaps this photo was taken at the running shed ? Photo by George R. Turner © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

At the other end of the loco, D7009 does not look quite so smart – but still much better than most at that time. An unidentified Class 47 is next in line to the ‘Hymek’ which again suggests that the photo might have been taken at the running shed. In this photo, George R. Turner is holding on to the young (and slightly terrified) Robin Hugo while his grandmother worked the camera. Photo by Docie E. Turner © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Please send in your photos of locos on shed, at the platform or in action, because we appreciate them all, any Class, any place, any time, the more varied, the better. Use our CONTACT FORM to get in touch. Thanks !

 

NEW BOOKS ON SALE

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

Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £35.95 per copy)	Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £21.95 per copy)

 

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

 

DEPG NEWS: already covered.

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

 

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

     

 

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

We look forward to hearing from you !

 

Go to the previous Roundup post

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was one of the star attractions at the GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY diesel gala last weekend, pictured approaching Quorn station from the Loughborough direction with a train for Leicester North. The ‘Hymek’ was making her first visit to the line and will be staying in the Midlands for a while. Pictured on Sunday 7th September 2025 by Steve Rhymes © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The appearance of ‘Hymek’ D7018 at the Great Central Railway’s Diesel Gala was another TREMENDOUS SUCCESS, hot on the heels of the HYMEK 50 YEARS event that was held on the West Somerset Railway (WSR) the previous weekend. The ‘Hymek’ was in use on all three days of the event and participated in the mixed traction day on the Sunday, proving to be one of the most popular attractions with plenty of admirers packed into the coaches, listening out for that famous ‘Maybach Music’.

The highly variable weather presented a challenge to the photographers, but we still received a large number of excellent photos showing the ‘Hymek’ in an unusual setting, surrounded by the architecture of a former trunk route that still boasts double track for much of the distance between Leicester North and Loughborough.

Here are a few of the many images that were captured between Thursday 4th and Sunday 7th September:

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6535 (33116) and an unidentified steam engine stand to the left of Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 at Loughborough stabling point on Saturday 6th September 2025, with Class 55 ‘Deltic’ 55019 (D9019) ‘ROYAL HIGHLAND FUSILIER’ on the right. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was alongside Class 37 37714 (D6724, 37024) ‘Cardiff Canton’ at Rothley Station on Saturday 6th September 2025, both ‘Type 3s’ having been based at the South Wales depot during their careers – the Hymek between 1966 and 1972 and the ’37’ in 1988. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

DEPG Chairman Martin Howard and Treasurer Paul Tucker supported D7018 throughout the event and were pictured enjoying a relaxing moment on Friday 5th September 2025 while at Loughborough stabling point. Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6535 (33116) is also pictured, along with Class 47 1705 (47117) ‘SPARROWHAWK’ and Class 55 ‘Deltic’ 55019 (D9019) in the distance. Photo by Ian Farnfield © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The sun was glinting from the windscreen of Class 45 ‘Peak’ D123 (45125) as ‘Hymek’ D7018 approached Loughborough Station on the first day of the gala, Thursday 4th September 2025. To the left of the ‘Peak’ is resident ‘Heavy Tractor’ 37714 (D6724, 37024) ‘Cardiff Canton’. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

And just in case you still haven’t seen enough pictures of ‘Hymeks’ already, here are a few more from the highly successful HYMEK 50 WEEKEND held at the West Somerset Railway on Saturday and Sunday 30/31 August 2025:

Green-liveried Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was heading North to reverse back onto sister D7017 to double-head the 12:25 service to Minehead where the locos swapped ends for the return journey during which D7017 took the lead. Pictured at Bishops Lydeard on Saturday 30th August 2025 by Peter Squire © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Minutes later, Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 had reversed to join sister D7017 at the head of the 1225 departure for Minehead, with Secondman Mark Bladwell about to do the coupling while visiting driver Steve Wainwright received an update from (L-R) D7017 driver Neil McCannon and Diesel Traction Group (DTG) engine specialist Bob Clegg. Pictured on Saturday 30th August 2025 at Bishops Lydeard by Mike Pinn © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

An approximately one hour later, Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 made a wonderful picture as she led sister loco D7017 into Washford Station on the 2M12 all-stations service to Minehead, comprising eight coach loads of delighted travellers. Pictured on Saturday 30th August 2025 by Mike Lanning © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The coming week sees the continuation of the standard BLUE timetable (four trains each way per day) with steam working from Bishops Lydeard and Class 33 D6575 (33057) working from Minehead. Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page in case the motive power allocations change (we will TRY and keep this page aligned with the latest changes).

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

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

 

 

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – back to the seemingly never-ending task of removing dirt and grime from the bogies and bogie components, the D1010 team came across an interesting detail that may or may not be a reliable indicator, but perhaps our friends at the WLA and DTG can give their views as well:

The thrust brackets that attach to the loco underframe to transmit the traction force and resist the braking force are massive steel fabrications that have the loco number ‘1010’ stamped on them. The damper brackets bolt to the thrust brackets, but one of the brackets from the ‘A’ bogie has ‘1000’ stamped on it, which either means it is from D1000 ‘WESTERN ENTERPRISE’ or it is for the 1000 series of locomotives. We would like to believe the more interesting of these two possibilities. The other three brackets are in storage at the yard, so we will find them and make a note of what numbers are stamped upon them.

As stated last week, the equalising beams and pedestals were found to be well worn and in need of refurbishment, but some parts were fully intact and still functional. The degree of wear on the pins and bushings was more extreme than that found on the ‘B’ bogie, but everything is repairable and will be sent out to subcontract for refurbishment.

The next step with the ‘A’ bogie is to remove the primary springs (eight coil springs and two massive leaf springs) and get the springs tested and inspected.

D1010 – the massive thrust bracket from the ‘A’ bogie carries the thrust bearing plate and also provides the attachment for the damper bracket.  Pictured at Williton on Saturday 6th September 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – taking a closer look, the thrust bracket is stamped ‘1010’ as expected but the damper bracket is stamped ‘1000’. Perhaps the damper and bracket were previously carried by the Class doyen, D1000 ‘WESTERN ENTERPRISE’ ! Pictured at Williton on Saturday 6th September 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – one of the so-called ‘pedestals’ that carry the equalising beams that balance the load on the outer axles. Apart from a liberal coating of grease and dirt, this pedestal from the ‘A’ bogie is in very good condition. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 6th September 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – similarly, several of the rod-end bearing assemblies that connect to the equalising beams are in very good condition, apart from wear on the pins and bushings. All of these moving parts will be thoroughly inspected and refurbished. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 6th September 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations.

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is currently outstationed at Bishops Lydeard but will work an Empty Coaching Stock (ECS) train on Wednesday 17th September and return to Williton so that her planned maintenance work can be continued. The approximate timings for this ECS move will be:

• Depart Bishops Lydeard at 10:55 arriving Minehead at 12:05
• Depart Minehead at 15:15 arrive Bishops Lydeard at 16:25
• Depart Bishops Lydeard at 17:25 ‘Light Engine’, arrive Williton at 18:00

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco was returned to traffic on Saturday 23rd August and has been in regular use ever since, supporting the WSR and covering for steam locomotives. This loco is booked to work the BLUE timetable services originating at Minehead this coming weekend (13/14 September) and mid-week (Tu/We/Th) but will take a rest during the FORTIES WEEKEND (20/21 September).

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – currently stabled at Williton in full working order, this loco is next booked to operate the weekend BLUE timetable services that originate from Minehead on Saturday and Sunday 27/28 September.

We are very grateful to everyone who has donated to or worked on D7017 during her bodywork overhaul. Your efforts are a fitting tribute to this loco, in HER FIFTIETH YEAR IN PRESERVATION !

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – already covered – this loco was moved by road (thanks to Allelys Heavy Haulage) to the GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY (GCR) on Monday 1st September and will remain at the GCR for several months before finding her way back to Somerset.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work on the superstructure at the ‘short end’ of the loco resumed last weekend with Colin G and Andy P engaged in resolving some alignment issues that had resulted from the replacement of the old and well-compressed vibration insulating material with new and thick material. Photography is tricky because of the staging that has been erected around the loco for safety reasons, but we did manage to get a few shots of these two camera-shy team members.

D9518 – volunteer Andy P was working above the deckplate, adjusting the framework that forms the bonnet superstructure. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 6th September 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – meanwhile, Colin G was at work under the deckplate, making sure that the boltholes were lining up correctly. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 6th September 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is now stabled outdoors on No. 2 road at Williton and is fully operational and available for use by the WSR, should the need arise.

D9526 is stabled on No 2 road at Williton, ready to be called into use if required. Pictured on Saturday 6th September 20205 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be in regular use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway although the use of steam locomotives has steadily increased as the risk of lineside fires has reduced, and our loco has to take her turn with the other diesel locos that together have been the mainstay of the line through the dry months.

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is stabled outdoors on Number 3 road at Williton and is available for use as required.

 

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

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

 

 

NEW CLOTHING RANGE:

Shipments are now flowing out again as our supplier gets to grips with their order backlog. APOLOGIES if your order has been delayed, but don’t delay if you haven’t yet ordered and are missing out on this new clothing. PLACE YOUR ORDER via our ONLINE STORE, just click this link to give it a go !

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

   

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

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

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

 

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

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

Garment type	Price
T shirt	£22
Polo shirt	£25
Sweatshirt	£35
Hoodie	£37
Fleece	£40
Other ? Tell us what you want !	Use our CONTACT FORM

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

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

 

 

ON SHED

When this photo was taken, just over 55 years ago, the subject loco was just two years old and was hard at work hauling express passenger services from Crewe towards the North, in the days before the overhead electric wires had been installed and energised on that section of the West Coast Main Line. Until electrification had been completed, the electric locos that had hauled the trains from Euston were replaced at Crewe by the latest products from the English Electric factory, in the form of the fity Class 50s.

Our subject loco is D407, brand new in March 1968 and later destined to become 50007 ‘Hercules’ (in 1978) and ‘SIR EDWARD ELGAR’ in 1984. This loco still operates on the main line today as 50007 ‘Hercules’, owned by the Class 50 Alliance and based at Kidderminster on the Severn Valley Railway.

Many thanks to regular contributor Andy Galpin for sharing his photo with us all.

English Electric Class 50 D407 was pictured at Crewe Station on 26th August 1970 while backing on to her train before heading north on the then-non-electrified section of the West Coast Main Line. This loco moved to the Western Region in 1974, entering preservation in 1994 and still operates on the main line today. Photo by Andy Galpin © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Please send in your photos of locos on shed, at the platform or in action, because we appreciate them all, any Class, any place, any time, the more varied, the better. Use our CONTACT FORM to get in touch. Thanks !

 

NEW BOOK ON SALE

The FIFTH volume of ‘THE BEATEN TRACK’ has now been released and is available to order via the DEPG’s online store. This series of books by ANDY CHARD has been an amazing success, and we expect this fifth volume to be equally impressive and as successful as the earlier releases. Well done Andy !

And competing for your hard-earned cash, we now have PART 3 of the excellent ‘The Railways of SOUTH WALES 1975-1995‘ trilogy in stock, which is quite a surprise, given that Parts 1 and 2 were only released in February and July of this year. Author MICHAEL RHODES has been very busy !

Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £35.95 per copy)	Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £21.95 per copy)

 

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

 

DEPG NEWS:

The date of the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) is set for Saturday 13th September and the meeting will be held at Williton Diesel Depot at 1400 as usual. The AGM information package was sent out to all members who were on the fully-paid-up register on 21st August. We will provide a summary of the AGM proceedings in the next edition of Roundup.

 

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

 

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

     

 

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

We look forward to hearing from you !

 

Go to the previous Roundup post

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 was evidently doing all of the work on the climb from Williton to Crowcombe Heathfield with an 11-coach equivalent load that included D7018, both locos resplendent against the darkening skies. Pictured about to cross the A358 at Sampford Brett bridge on Saturday 30th August 2025 by Mike Lanning © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The HYMEK 50 WEEKEND was a TREMENDOUS SUCCESS with a total of 240 miles of ‘Hymek’ haulage that included 80 miles of ‘double-heading’ with each ‘Hymek’ taking turns to lead. The weather could have been better because the occasional torrential downpour sent people running for cover, but the periods between the showers were bright and sunny and the temperature was just right.

Attendance was much higher than expected, so THANK YOU VERY MUCH to ALL who came along and rode the trains. The WSR retail outlets were also delighted with the patronage – and caught out to some extent by the level of demand. The late substitution of Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) for the booked steam locomotive turned the event into an all-diesel mini-gala, and it was good to see the line operating so well, worked entirely by ‘Type 3’ diesel traction.

We have received so many photos that it is hard to select just a few for the Roundup, so apologies if you have submitted photos that are not published here. Another very good resource for photos of anything ‘WSR’ is the website wsr.org.uk which carries 30 images of the HYMEK 50 event, all of which can be viewed by clicking on this link.

Here are a few of the many images that were captured on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st August 2025:

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was leading the 1225 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead service with sister D7017 coupled behind with eight Mk 1 coaches in tow. The two gleaming locos were worthy subjects for the hundreds of camera lenses that followed them on their daily 120-mile adventures. Pictured at Washford on Saturday 30th August 2025 by Mike Lanning © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 worked the 0825 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead service on both days and was pictured approaching the platform at Bishops Lydeard with the return working (the 1000 departure from Minehead) on Saturday 30th August 2025. Photo by Mike Pinn © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) also joined the party, standing-in for a steam loco on the 1015 Bishops Lydeard and subsequent 80-mile diagram on both days. Pictured while coasting down the bank alongside Castle Hill on Saturday 30th August 2025, next stop Williton. Photo by Mike Lanning © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Fifty years of ‘Hymek’ preservation also applies to the two other survivors, D7029 in the care of the Diesel Traction Group at Kidderminster and D7076 in the care of the Bury Hydraulic Group on the East Lancs Railway. The latter was out and about on a visit to the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway when pictured on Sunday 31st August 2025 by DEPG member Cameron Walker © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

And bringing the curtain down on a thoroughly enjoyable ‘HYMEK 50’ weekend, Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was pictured reversing onto her train at Minehead to form the 1830 departure for Bishops Lydeard on Sunday 31st August 2025, with visiting driver Steve Wainwright at the controls. Photo by Gary Lemon © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The coming week sees the return of the standard BLUE timetable (four trains each way per day) with steam working from Bishops Lydeard and Class 33 D6575 (33057) working from Minehead. Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page in case the motive power allocations change (we will TRY and keep this page aligned with the latest changes).

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

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

 

And just in case you haven’t seen enough pictures of ‘Hymeks’ already, here are a few more, this time on the GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY where D7018 is one of the guest stars at their AUTUMN DIESEL GALA that started on Thursday 4th September this week and runs through this weekend (with a mixed traction day on Sunday).  

D7018 was pictured approaching Rothley station on the GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY on Friday 5th September 2025, where D7018 is one of the guest stars at their AUTUMN DIESEL GALA event. Photo by Roger Geach © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D7018 would soon be teamed up with resident Class 45 ‘Peak’ D123 (45125) for a double-headed super-powered run from Leicester North station on the GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY on Friday 5th September 2025. The ‘Peak’ now carries the nameplate ‘LEICESTERSHIRE AND DERBYSHIRE YEOMANRY’, a plate previously carried by the sole named Class 46, D163 (46026). Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D7018 was pictured at the tail end of a Leicester-bound train at Quorn station on the GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY with newly-restored Class 27 27056 (D5401) at the head on Friday 5th September 2025. Both locos are among the star attractions at their AUTUMN DIESEL GALA event. Photo by Keith Fender © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – although tempted by the lure of the ‘Hymek’-hauled services that were passing through Williton on Saturday morning, the D1010 team managed to complete the job of removing the primary suspension equalising beams and pedestals from the ‘A’ bogie before the double-headed ‘Hymek’ service pulled in to Williton, after which there was a significant reduction in the number of volunteers on site !

The equalising beams and pedestals were found to be well worn and in need of refurbishment, but were fully intact and still functional. The degree of wear was more extreme than that found on the ‘B’ bogie, but the main components can be recovered by removing and replacing the bushings that are intended to wear over their lifetime.

The next step with the ‘A’ bogie is to remove the primary springs (eight coil springs and two massive leaf springs) and get the springs tested and inspected.

D1010 – the two equalising beams and pedestals from the primary suspension of the ‘A’ bogie were removed from their hiding place within the bogie frames on Saturday 30th August 2025 and placed on a pallet for cleaning and inspection. Although well worn, these important parts can be refurbished and will soon be ready to go back into the bogie. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 30th August 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations.

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is currently outstationed at Bishops Lydeard after having her booked period of Rest & Relaxation at Williton cut short due to operational requirements. If the loco can’t go to Williton, then the Williton volunteers will have to go to the loco, which is what will probably happen this weekend.

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco was returned to traffic on Saturday 23rd August and has been in regular use ever since, supporting the WSR and covering for steam locomotives. This loco is booked to work the BLUE timetable services originating at Minehead this coming weekend (6/7 September) and mid-week (Tu/We/Th) as far ahead as the FORTIES WEEKEND (20/21 September).

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – already covered, this loco has been the centre of attention and has delivered a stunning performance as a payback to her many supporters.

We are very grateful to everyone who has donated to or worked on D7017 during her bodywork overhaul. Your efforts are a fitting tribute to this loco, in HER FIFTIETH YEAR IN PRESERVATION !

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – already covered – this loco was moved by road (thanks to Allelys Heavy Haulage) to the GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY’S AUTUMN DIESEL GALA that runs from the 4th to the 6th of September.

D7018 was moved by road from Bishops Lydeard to Quorn on the GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY by Allelys Heavy Haulage so that the ‘Hymek’ could take a starring role at their AUTUMN DIESEL GALA event. Pictured at Quorn on Tuesday 2nd September 2025 by Paul Tucker © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work on the engine rebuild has slowed down due to resources being applied to D9526 to support the WSR through the peak summer season, but the team will get back onto this project in the coming weeks.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco was called into use on Thursday 4th September to work the 1015 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and return service, after which Class 33 D6575 (33057) took over for the rest of the diagram. The ’14’ was used because of temporary non-availability of drivers for the Class 33.

D9526 was put to work on the 1015 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and the 1220 return service on Thursday 4th September 2025. The remainder of the diagram was worked by the booked traction, Class 33 D6575 (33057). Pictured at Minehead by Steve Speck © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be in regular use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and has been fairly busy although the use of steam locomotives has gradually increased as the risk of lineside fires has reduced. On Thursday 4th September, the ’47’ was used to tow visiting ‘Slim Jim Crompton’ Class 33/2 33202 (D6587) to Pickering for collection by road transport. The ’33’ was returning to the Mid-Norfolk Railway after a period on hire at the NYMR.

47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ was attached to visiting Class 33/2 33202 (D6587) ‘Dennis G Robinson’ to tow the ’33’ to Pickering where she would depart from the NYMR after a period on hire. Pictured on Thursday 4th September 2025 by Josh Smith © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is available for use as required.

 

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

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

 

 

NEW CLOTHING RANGE:

Shipments are now flowing out again as our supplier gets to grips with their order backlog. APOLOGIES if your order has been delayed, but don’t delay if you haven’t yet ordered and are missing out on this new clothing. PLACE YOUR ORDER via our ONLINE STORE, just click this link to give it a go !

So far, we have launched the 50 YEARS of HYMEKS range and a configurable HYMEK and WESTERN range, and in the works are similarly configurable ranges covering the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ and the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ with those garments likely to be available in September. Here’s a taster of what is on offer and available to order NOW via our website:

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

 

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

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

Garment type	Price
T shirt	£22
Polo shirt	£25
Sweatshirt	£35
Hoodie	£37
Fleece	£40
Other ? Tell us what you want !	Use our CONTACT FORM

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

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

 

 

ON SHED

Not more ‘Hymeks’, I hear you say, but these photos include three other classes of loco as well, so the appeal is somewhat broader. These photos show D7017 alongside sister preserved loco D7029 at Old Oak Common depot near Paddington, in May or June of 1975. D7017 has been daubed with ‘PRESERVED – TAKE NO PARTS’ messages in the style of the steam locos at Woodham’s Yard in Barry, in an attempt to ward off the souvenir hunters. Did that strategy work, I wonder … ?

Many thanks to long-time DEPG member Neville Sloper for providing us with these photos. Let us know if you were there on this day and can identify the Class 31, the Class 50 and the four Class 47s that also feature in these photos.

Two of the four Class 35 ‘Hymek’ survivors D7017 (nearest) and D7029 were pictured together at Old Oak Common depot, some time after their withdrawal from service in 1975 (thought to be May or June). Photos by Neville Sloper © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Please send in your photos of locos on shed, at the platform or in action, because we appreciate them all, any Class, any place, any time, the more varied, the better. Use our CONTACT FORM to get in touch. Thanks !

 

NEW BOOK ON SALE

The FIFTH volume of ‘THE BEATEN TRACK’ has now been released and is available to order via the DEPG’s online store. This series of books by ANDY CHARD has been an amazing success, and we expect this fifth volume to be equally impressive and as successful as the earlier releases. Well done Andy !

And competing for your hard-earned cash, we now have PART 3 of the excellent ‘The Railways of SOUTH WALES 1975-1995‘ trilogy in stock, which is quite a surprise, given that Parts 1 and 2 were only released in February and July of this year. Author MICHAEL RHODES has been very busy !

Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £35.95 per copy)	Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £21.95 per copy)

 

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

 

DEPG NEWS:

The date of the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) is set for Saturday 13th September and the meeting will be held at Williton at 1400 as usual. The AGM information package has been sent out to all members who were on the fully-paid-up register on 21st August. We used the ‘paper’ or ‘paperless’ setting in your ‘Membermojo’ account to determine if you wanted a mailed or emailed version of the AGM calling notice. PLEASE LET US KNOW by using our CONTACT FORM if you are a member and have yet to receive your AGM package.

 

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

 

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

     

 

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

We look forward to hearing from you !

 

Go to the previous Roundup post

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018, with her paintwork refreshed by a coat of polyurethane varnish (thank you Graham), was looking very good while being prepared to run ‘Light Engine’ to Bishops Lydeard on Thursday 28th August 2025. Pictured at Williton by Mike Lanning © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Both ‘Hymeks’ are now in position at Bishops Lydeard and are ready to take up their duties for the HYMEK 50 WEEKEND that takes place on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st August 2025, when both D7017 and D7018 will be hard at work on an 8-coach train and an enhanced 120-mile daily diagram that includes 40 miles of DOUBLE HEADING in the middle of each day !

The weekend has become an ALL-DIESEL EVENT by the substitution of Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) for the rostered steam locomotive on the 10:15 departure from Bishops Lydeard and subsequent diagram, so PLEASE DO TRY AND COME ALONG to enjoy this VERY SPECIAL WEEKEND of Type 3 diesel running.

Here’s a summary of workings (applies to both days):

• D7017 departs Bishops Lydeard (BL) at 0825 for Minehead (MD)
• D7017 departs MD for BL at 1000
• D6566 departs BL for MD at 1015
• D6566 departs MD for BL at 1220
• D7017 and D7018 depart BL for MD at 1225
• D7018 and D7017 depart MD for BL at 1420
• D6566 departs BL for MD at 1425
• D6566 departs MD for BL at 1635
• D7018 departs BL for MD at 1640
• D7018 departs MD for BL at 1830

 

Timetables are available by clicking this link and tickets for this event are available from the WSR by clicking this link. Standard ticketing applies.

The WSR have advised the following catering arrangements:

• Bishops Lydeard station café opening hours: 0800 to 1700 both days
• Minehead station café opening hours: 0930 to 1750 both days
• On-train buffet opening hours – Saturday: 0825 to 1800
• On-train buffet opening hours – Sunday: 1000 to 1800

 

As a late addition to the event, we will now be hosting ROD’S MODEL RAILWAY SALES stand in our meeting room, just inside the gates of the DEPG yard at Williton, from 0930 to 1630 each day. With only a limited number of volunteers being available on site at Williton, we will be able to provide shed visits, but on a small groups basis. Apart from our two ‘Hymek’s, the location of the other members of the DEPG/WSR diesel fleet will be as follows:

Owner	Class	Location
DEPG	Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’	Undergoing a bogie overhaul at Williton.
WSR	Class 03 D2133	Station pilot at Minehead
DEPG	Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019)	Station pilot at Bishops Lydeard
Private owner	Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048)	Working the 10:15 Bishops Lydeard 80-mile diagram
Private owner	Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057)	‘Thunderbird’ loco, stabled at Minehead.
DEPG	Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518	Undergoing a complete rebuild at Williton
DEPG	Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526	Fully operational, stabled at Williton
WSR	Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 (ROF 1)	Yard pilot at Williton
WSR	Barclay 0-4-0DH 579 (ROF 2)	Yard pilot at Minehead
DEPG	47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ (D1661, 46713, 47840)	In use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
WSR	Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU)	Fully operational, stabled at Minehead.

 

 

 

Several questions have been asked about the absence of the BR double-arrow symbol from the now blue-painted D7017 and the presence of the D+EG logo instead. The reason for this is that BR had a stong view of the use of their logo back in the 1970s and the D+EG were not allowed to use it under the ‘passing off’ rules. So, the double arrow logo was removed and the D+EG logo that had been made at home by John and Margaret Crane was applied. The logo was hand-cut from ‘Fablon’ (sticky-backed plastic), a material that was quite popular at the time. It is a lot easier to get the logos made these days, so it is not as much of a challenge !

D7017 in the early days of the WSR, running with the D+EG logo in place of the BR double-arrow logo. Pictured at Mineral Line Bridge near Watchet on 7th May 1978 by Steve Edge © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

We have already received compliments about the high standard of finish on D7017 and asked questions as to how it was painted. Well, it was entirely hand painted by HARRY SPENCER, mostly in his own time, building on quality preparation work that was carried out by the Minehead engineering team and by DEPG volunteers. The repairs to the bodywork were paid for by donations raised during the last 10 months totalling approximately £20,000 for which we are very grateful. MANY THANKS to all who have donated to and carried out the work on D7017 to bring her up to the condition that we see today.

Glistening after a downpour at Williton on Thursday 28th August 2025, D7017 departed with D7018 in tow, destination Bishops Lydeard, to position for their weekend event. Photo by Mike Lanning © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Click here to go to the WSR’s events page for the ‘Hymek’ weekend.

 

The coming week sees the return of the standard BLUE timetable (four trains each way per day) with steam working from Bishops Lydeard and Class 33 D6575 (33057) working from Minehead. Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page in case the motive power allocations change (we will TRY and keep this page aligned with the latest changes).

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

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

 

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the team continued their work on both bogies last weekend, with the ‘B’ bogie already looking much better as a result of the application of some primer in the areas where the dye penetrant inspection is not going to be required. The removal of the equalising beams and pedestals from the ‘A’ bogie was attempted, but is going to have to wait until more volunteers are available, which will be next weekend.

The following photos are those that we were unable to include last week. Apologies for the delay in sharing them.

D1010 – bogie overhauls in progress – the ‘B’ bogie is nearest the camera and is the most advanced in terms of the disassembly work, with all brake rigging and almost all of the suspension components removed. Pictured at Williton with (L-R) Barry and Ian F at work on Saturday 16th August 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – side view of the ‘B’ bogie with the secondary suspension coil springs and the huge leaf spring conspicuous by their absence, Pictured at Williton on Saturday 16th August 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – by comparison, the ‘A’ bogie is only having the primary suspension components removed for the time being, so that remedial work on the equalising beams can take place on all four sets simultaneously (to save setup costs). Pictured at Williton with (L-R) Glenn and Gordon on Saturday 16th August 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations.

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco returned to Williton on Saturday 23rd, swapping places with sister loco D6575 (33057) as planned. Work started straight away with an underframe and bogie wash, following by an inspection and a re-greasing of the various linkages and bushings. However, on Sunday 24th, the loco was unexpectedly called back into service to stand-in for a steam loco that had developed a steam leak. Now back in the clutches of the Operating Department, this loco is unlikely to return to Williton for continuance of her planned maintenance until the middle of next week.

D6566 (33048) – back at Williton – but for only 22 hours, the team had just started to carry out planned maintenance tasks when the loco was called back into action. Pictured at Williton with Ashley at work on Saturday 23rd August 2025 by Ben Elvey © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco was returned to traffic on Saturday 23rd August and has been in regular use ever since, supporting the WSR and covering for steam locomotives. This loco is booked to work the BLUE timetable services originating at Minehead next week and as far ahead as the FORTIES WEEKEND (20/21 September).

D6575 (33057) – back in service on Saturday 23rd August 2025, and pictured at Minehead while running around her train. Photo by Ben Elvey © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – already covered, this loco has been the centre of attention with multiple volunteers attending to details both inside and externally, to get the loco ready for her big event.

We are very grateful to everyone who has donated to or worked on D7017 during her bodywork overhaul. Your efforts are a fitting tribute to this loco, in HER FIFTIETH YEAR IN PRESERVATION !

D7017 gets attention from Roy as he prepares to freshen up the paintwork on the axlebox covers. He has already given the bogies a fresh coat of black paint. Pictured on 23rd August 2025 by Ben Elvey © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D7017 gets attention from (L-R) Ethan T and Ethan W as they deal with the many details around the underframe that need painting in specific colours to identify their functions. Pictured on 24th August 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – already covered – this loco was moved into the loco shed on Saturday 16th August and received a thorough external clean-up and a coat of varnish (courtesy of Graham) on Saturday 23rd to ready her for the HYMEK 50 WEEKEND (30/31st August) and for her subsequent appearance at the GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY’S AUTUMN DIESEL GALA that runs from the 4th to the 6th of September. We want her to look her best ! This loco is booked to be collected by Allelys from Bishops Lydeard on Monday 1st September.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work on the engine rebuild has slowed down due to resources being applied to D9526 to support the WSR through the peak summer season, but the team will get back onto this project in the coming weeks.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco has now been serviced and moved onto No. 4 road at Williton, where she stands at the ready, in case she is called upon to assist a steam loco at short notice.

D9526 was in use to shunt the yard on Saturday 16th August 2025, to put D7018 inside the loco shed and shunt D6575 onto No. 1 road ready for fuelling and a return to service the following week. D7017 is also in view at the far end of No 1 road, having arrived from Minehead on the previous Thursday. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be in regular use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and has been kept busy by the steam ban that had been re-introduced following some significant fires on the moors. If you have been enjoying riding behind our ‘celebrity‘ loco, please send us some photos to share with our readers ! This week, we feature some photos that have been submitted by DEPG member Matthew Fenwick, for which we are very grateful.

47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ was pictured running around her train at the Pickering terminus on the NYMR on Friday 22nd August 2025, having arrived from Grosmont with the 13:30 service. Photo by Matthew Fenwick © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ departed from Pickering with the 15:10 service to Grosmont on the NYMR on Friday 22nd August 2025. Photo by Matthew Fenwick © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is available for use as required.

 

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

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

 

 

NEW CLOTHING RANGE:

Shipments are now flowing out again as our supplier gets to grips with their order backlog. APOLOGIES if your order has been delayed, but don’t delay if you haven’t yet ordered and are missing out on this new clothing. PLACE YOUR ORDER via our ONLINE STORE, just click this link to give it a go !

So far, we have launched the 50 YEARS of HYMEKS range and a configurable HYMEK and WESTERN range, and in the works are similarly configurable ranges covering the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ and the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ with those garments likely to be available in September. Here’s a taster of what is on offer and available to order NOW via our website:

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

 

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

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

Garment type	Price
T shirt	£22
Polo shirt	£25
Sweatshirt	£35
Hoodie	£37
Fleece	£40
Other ? Tell us what you want !	Use our CONTACT FORM

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

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

 

 

ON SHED

With all of the preparations for the HYMEK 50 WEEKEND event, we won’t have time for a ‘On Shed’ feature this week, but this will return next week with more photos that have been submitted by readers and supporters.

Please send in your photos of locos on shed, at the platform or in action, because we appreciate them all, any Class, any place, any time, the more varied, the better. Use our CONTACT FORM to get in touch. Thanks !

 

NEW BOOK ON SALE

The FIFTH volume of ‘THE BEATEN TRACK’ has now been released and is available to order via the DEPG’s online store. This series of books by ANDY CHARD has been an amazing success, and we expect this fifth volume to be equally impressive and as successful as the earlier releases. Well done Andy !

And competing for your hard-earned cash, we now have PART 3 of the excellent ‘The Railways of SOUTH WALES 1975-1995‘ trilogy in stock, which is quite a surprise, given that Parts 1 and 2 were only released in February and July of this year. Author MICHAEL RHODES has been very busy !

Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £35.95 per copy)	Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £21.95 per copy)

 

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

 

DEPG NEWS:

The date of the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) is set for Saturday 13th September and the meeting will be held at Williton at 1400 as usual. The AGM information package has been sent out to all members who were on the fully-paid-up register on 21st August. We used the ‘paper’ or ‘paperless’ setting in your ‘Membermojo’ account to determine if you wanted a mailed or emailed version of the AGM calling notice. PLEASE LET US KNOW by using our CONTACT FORM if you are a member and have yet to receive your AGM package.

 

The recently-acquired Linde fork lift truck has now been inspected, certificated and insured, which in turn allowed training to commence. The first day covered basic training for Linda and Tony while Gwyn undertook a refresher to renew his FLT ticket. Well done all !

The DEPG’s restoration talents have been put to good use on this 2006 Linde 1600kg electric Fork Lift Truck, now in use for training with Gwyn at the controls, being assessed by Aaron from Safety Training South West. Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 26th August 2025 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

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

 

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

     

 

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

We look forward to hearing from you !

 

Go to the previous Roundup post