December has proved to be a busy month at Williton depot as we have steadily progressed our many projects. Sadly, Class 35 “Hymek” D7017 was not ready for a trial start before Christmas and we now need to get it up and running as early as possible in January. Class 25 no. D7523 has had her cab floor repaired at Williton and returned to traffic as the Company Service locomotive during the month. The plan is she will continue this role until Easter 2009 allowing us to withdraw Class 08 no. D3462 for engine repairs and Class 33 no. D6566 for a new set of batteries and other repair jobs.
Class 14 no. D9526 finally returned home to Williton during the month and is currently resident in the Heritage Visitor Centre where we plan to undertake a full body repaint in the Spring. Class 52 “Western” no. D1010 remains stored outside the Heritage Visitor Centre sheltering under temporary tarpaulins until we can find room in the shed for her once D7017 is returned to traffic. However the other engine in the locomotive has been fired-up and can be rotated so hopefully it has not suffered any long term damage due to water ingress.
Away from the depot at the end of the month, just before Christmas 28 members of the Team and their wives/partners enjoyed a superb Christmas Dinner in the “Wyndham Arms” at Williton to round off a successful 2008 for the DEPG Team at Williton.
Thus we can look forward to 2009 with keen anticipation despite the financial gloom that surrounds so many of at work and at home and I close by wishing you, on behalf of all the DEPG Team, a Happy, Healthy and successful New Year, see you all in 2009.
(John Cronin)