• Weekly Roundup – 08-May-26

     

    After staying overnight on the West Somerset Railway, the ‘Belmond Britannic Explorer‘ was pictured returning to Network Rail metals via Norton Fitzwarren on the morning of Saturday 2nd May 2026 with Class 66 66744 leading and 66748 ‘St Michael’s Mount’ trailing. Photo by Philip Izzard © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    The visiting Class 66s were the only diesels at work on the WSR last weekend, as the visit schedule of the ‘Belmond Britannic Explorer‘ happened to coincide with the WSR‘s highly successful 4-day ‘Spring Steam Spectacular’ event, leading to scenes where steam locos both large and small were pictured alongside the ultra-posh luxury train, such as pictured below:

     

     

    Staying at the WSR for a while to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the reopening of the WSR, former resident Bagnall 0-6-0ST 2996 ‘VICTOR’ was pictured alongside the ulta-posh ‘Belmond Britannic Explorer‘ at Bishops Lydeard on the morning of Saturday 2nd May 2026. Photo by Laura Standerwick © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    The steam gala was an action-packed event that delivered four full days of steam-powered entertainment and including some intensive timetabling with local services, goods trains with brake van rides and shunting operations that kept the action going along the 23-mile length of the line. Passenger loadings were very good and the visitors that we met during our ‘Open Shed’ event were very happy, even though the weather tried hard (very hard on occasions) to dampen their spirits ! All in all, this event was a great success and the many hours invested by staff and volunteers certainly paid off. WELL DONE ALL !

     

     

    The DEPG yard and shed was open to the public on each of the four days with the very popular ‘Irie 7’ catering van adjacent to our trackside viewing area, and Rod’s Model Railway Sales stand and the DEPG’s own sales stand set up in the loco shed. These same arrangements will apply to the forthcoming SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL that will take place from Thursday 4th June to Saturday 6th June, with a mixed traction day on the Sunday.

     

    The WSR have just announced a THIRD visiting loco in addition to Class 47 47714 (D1955, 47511) and Class 37 37250 (D6950), with the news that CLASS 26 26007 (D5300) will be appearing in Railfreight Coal Sector livery. Here’s the write-up that has been provided by the WSR Gala Planning Team:

         Class 26 No. 26007, courtesy of Victor Korzeniewicz, will be making its debut at the West Somerset Railway. Originally numbered D5300, 26007 was the first of the Class 26 diesel locomotives, built in 1958 by the Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Company.

         It was initially based at Hornsey Depot, working on King’s Cross suburban duties before being transferred to Scotland two years later, where it remained until its withdrawal in 1993. Notably, in 1992, in celebration of the conclusion of the class, 26007 was repainted into a 1960s-style British Rail green livery, complete with small yellow warning panels.

         Its final duties encompassed hauling condemned DMUs and operating on the Kyle of Lochalsh line. Following its withdrawal, the locomotive was preserved and is now owned by Victor Korzeniewicz, typically residing at Barrow Hill Roundhouse in Derbyshire.

         The locomotive is currently painted in a two-tone grey Railfreight Coal Sector livery and will be appearing at our event in this livery. We extend our sincere gratitude to Victor for facilitating the presence of this extraordinary locomotive at our Diesel festival.

    Click here or on an image to go to the WSR’s event page:

     

    DEPG locos of classes 08, 09, 14, 33 and 35 will also be in use and Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ will be open to visitors at Williton Yard, along with Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 and Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 (ROF 1).

    We have also been advised that two Rail Adventure HST Power Cars will be stabled in the yard at Williton for the duration of the event, as last year, because these locos will be bringing and returning the visiting locos via the main line. They were very popular exhibits at the gala last year and we will be happy to see them in our yard again.

    In June last year, Rail Adventure Class 43 HST power cars 43465 (nearest) and 43484 were stabled at Williton throughout the gala as they had been used to bring the visiting locos to the WSR and were on display until they took the visitors back to their homes on the following Monday. Pictured on Tuesday 3rd June 2025 by Darren Hill © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    30th ANNIVERSARY – but hopefully with a difference …

    This coming Saturday 9th May will be the 30th anniversary of the last main line use of Class 33 ‘Crompton D6575 (33057) and this loco will be in use on the 12:25 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and 14:30 return service to commemorate this milestone. Before we hear calls for a re-enactment, it needs to be mentioned that the loco suffered a bogie fire because of a dragging brake that day, while working in tandem with another member of the Class, 33030 (D6548) and the damage was so severe that the loco never worked on the main line again and was eventually sold for scrap to become a parts donor for sister loco D6566 (33048). Luckily, it was decided that the fire-damaged loco could be repaired and we are thankful that this decision was taken and the repair work carried out, because she is still plying her trade on the West Somerset Railway to this very day and is both a reliable and versatile workhorse.

    The above photo was published by the Railway Magazine and stated the incorrect number for the leading loco – it was in fact 33030 (D6548). Photo by Tom Bowes via RM.

     

    Read more about D6575 (33057) by clicking this link (loco history by Ian Robins).

     

    The 12:25 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and 14:30 return service will be hauled by Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) again on Sunday 10th, after which she will run ‘Light Engine’ (LE) to Williton to undergo maintenance and bodywork cleanup in preparation for her gala appearance in her 65th birthday year. Her role as Duty Loco will be taken by sister D6566 (33048) who will run LE from Williton to Bishops Lydeard on Sunday evening and will work the 12:25 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and 14:30 return service on Thursday 14th and on both days of the following weekend.

     

    Keep an eye on our Diesel Running Dates page for advance notice of loco allocations. Note: if these published loco allocations change, we will endeavour to release a DIESELGEN bulletin, provided that we have enough advance notice to make it worthwhile.

    Click here to go to the WSR Calendar page, then click on the date of interest.

     

    The WSR’s EVENTS and EXPERIENCES web page gives details of other 2026 events. Click here or on the graphic below to go to the WSR Calendar Page for details and dates.

     

     

    LOCO NEWS:

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’– with the focus on the ‘open shed’ 4-day weekend being clean and safe for the public to visit, the noisy and dirty work of needle-gunning was carried out by the Tuesday Team comprising Phil and Tim L who concentrated on cleaning up the components of the secondary suspension, including the coil springs that can be a little tricky to handle. Our intrepid pair soon had a method established and the job has progressed well !

    Also on Tuesday, Colin F, Reece and Tim Z worked on the recently refurbished set of primary springs to match them up with the thrust pieces that bear down on the axlebox housings. A complete set of 6 is now available to go back into the ‘B’ bogie but we need some new parts in order to complete the ‘A’ bogie. Enquiries are being made to see if we can obtain parts from another owning group and refurbish them, rather than have to make new. We have time to go either way, so this is not a showstopper, but we want to try to refurbish old parts whenever we can.

    We could really use another pair of hands to raise the pace further, so please come along and help out on D1010 if you can. Use our CONTACT FORM if you are able to volunteer on a Saturday or a Tuesday – or both !

    D1010 – Tim L takes a turn at the needle gun while Phil goes to get yet another can of primer for the many parts that have now been cleaned up and need three coats of paint. Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 5th May 2026 by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

     

    D1010 – this extract from Swindon drawing SL/SW/2400 revision ‘V’ shows the primary spring (part number 1/SL/SW/3550) sitting on the thrust piece (part number 2/SL/SW/1580) which in turn sits within a manganese-steel lined recess in the axlebox housing.

     

    Class 08 08401 (D3516) – this loco is fully serviceable in air brake mode and was used to shunt the north and south yards at Williton on Saturday 25th April, the objective being to clear the loco shed for the gala and organise the locos on No. 1 road into the most appropriate sequence, taking account of their next booked movements.

    Class 08 ‘shunter’ 08401 (D3516) in her faded blue livery dominates the foreground but Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ is also visible, as is BR(WR) 0-6-0PT 9466 and Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057). Pictured at Williton on Thursday 7th May 2026 by Anthony Austin © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 09 D4107 (09019) – this loco is based at Bishops Lydeard as station pilot.

     

    Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is close to being ready to take over duties from sister loco D6575 (33057) as from Sunday 10th May. One task that needed attending to was the replacement of the heavily corroded exhaust port grille, the effect of many years of exposure to weather and exhaust byproducts. The repaired grille was fitted using our Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) for which we now have 11 volunteers trained in the safe use of this machine for working at height.

    D6566 (33048) – the partly-dissolved steel grille was removed from the loco and was pictured at Williton on Tuesday 5th May 2026. Photo by Anthony Austin © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    D6566 (33048) – the repaired steel grille was fitted to the exhaust port of the loco at Williton on Thursday 7th May 2026. Photo by Anthony Austin © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

     

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is fully serviceable and remains on display at Minehead during this 50th anniversary year of the re-opening of the WSR, this loco having been present at Minehead right from the start.

    This loco will be heading to the NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS RAILWAY to participate in their ANNUAL DIESEL GALA that takes place from Thursday 11th to Sunday 14th June (the week after the WSR diesel event). Our ‘Hymek’ will be operating alongside her BR(W) friends Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9553 and Class 37 37688 (D6905, 37205) ‘Great Rocks’ and will be re-united with her DEPG stablemate 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ once again. Click here for details.

     

     

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – after her highly successful 8-month stay at the Great Central Railway, this loco has now moved to Kidderminster on the SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY where she will participate in the SVR’s SPRING DIESEL FESTIVAL that takes place from Thursday 14th through Sunday 17th May. The ‘Hymek’ will also be used for crew training while at the SVR and will be in the care of our friends at the Diesel Traction Group. We hope that she will also see some use on charters and specials during her stay.

    D7018 – back at home at OC (81A) ? No, inside the Diesel Depot at Kidderminster on the Severn Valley Railway, undergoing inspection and preparation for her role in next weekend’s SVR Spring Diesel Festival. Pictured on Tuesday 5th May 2026 by Jacky Duncan © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

     

     

    D7018 – pictured from the cab of Class 42 ‘Warship’ D821 ‘GREYHOUND’ – looking into the Diesel Depot at Kidderminster on the Severn Valley Railway while the visiting ‘Hymek’ undergoes inspection and preparation for her role in next weekend’s SVR Diesel Gala. Pictured on Tuesday 5th May 2026 by Jacky Duncan © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    After completion of her stay on the SVR, D7018 will then move to the GWSR in July before returning home to the WSR in time for the DIESELS at 65 event in late August.

    Severn Valley Railway (SVR)

    14-17 May 2026

    Gloucestershire-Warwickshire

    24-26 July 2026

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – with the need to work on sister loco D9526 and the ‘Open Shed’ event last weekend, the team have not had much of a chance to work on D9518 during this last week, but this is just a temporary pause. Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible !

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is now back at Williton after spending the entire winter on duty at Bishops Lydeard, covering for Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019).

     

    D9526 – pictured at Williton on Tuesday 5th May 2026 while undergoing a 50-hour inspection and service to get her ready for her appearance at the WSR’s ‘SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL’. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is based at Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway awaiting a replacement triple pump motor, and we thought that we had taken care of this, but a last-minute snag has set us back a few weeks, which is disappointing – but will be overcome. Once repaired, the loco will then need to go out for tyre turning, which will be a convoy move over the main line from Grosmont with several other NYMR diesels.

     

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is back in working order and is in the queue for her annual VIBT certificate renewal, which will be dealt with as soon as the Class 33s have been swapped over.

     

    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 Saturdays and Tuesdays 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:

    Still feeling the cold in the evenings and mornings ? Go ahead and order a fleece jacket or sweatshirt via our ONLINE STORE, just click on this link or on the images below 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, or both in blue. Please let us know if you would like to order a combination that is not obvious on our online store. We hope to be able to offer a Class 14 design in the coming weeks.

    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

     

     

    ON SHED – during the last few weeks, we have featured some photos from DAVID HINGSTON, and these have resulted in quite a bit of email traffic from several of our regular contributors. Last week, we featured three photos taken at Finsbury Park station on the same day in the late 1960s – but we didn’t get a single piece of feedback from anyone !

    So, here is one more photo from David’s collection, then we will give someone else a chance and come back to David’s photos at a future date.

    Before we share the next photo, here is David’s own feedback on his photo taken at Saltley Station (see last week’s ‘on shed’ in the previous roundup):

         “Well, Clive’s image of Saltley station certainly left no doubt as to where my photo of the Class 25 was taken. Again, I have no recollection of having been there and had to look up where it actually was! This would again have been another of our excursions during the one-week Rail-Rover ticket expedition with my friend John who is actually in the picture.

         It was probably the result of the disappointment we had experienced earlier in the week at Crewe station. We had no prior knowledge of Crewe except that it was a must-visit place for a spotter, and an area where there was still a reasonable amount of steam (sorry) to be seen, although mostly on goods trains. Imagine our dismay when each time we saw such a train slowly making its way towards the station it suddenly disappeared, only to reappear a short time later past the other end of the station and vanishing into the distance.

         We left the station to try to find a vantage point near to the entrance of this phenomena (which turned out to be a bypass tunnel) but were unsuccessful. So maybe the Saltley excursion was an attempt to “not get fooled again” by staying in New Street station, or maybe it was just to get away from that concrete oppressive place.”

     

    This week, we have one of David’s photos from that ‘concrete oppressive place’, the much-derided but very busy BIRMINGHAM NEW STREET station, back in the late 1960s (but not later than 1968).

     

     

     

     

    Brush Type 4 Class 47 D1943 (47500) on the 1N37 working out of Birmingham New Street Station, sometime in the late 1960s, with another of the Class alongside and an AM10 (later Class 310) Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) also in the picture. Photo by David Hingston © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Many thanks to David for sharing his photos 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 !

     

     

    NEW BOOKS ON SALE

    A few weeks back, we announced a NEW BOOK compiled by ROGER GEACH based on the photographs of the late STEPHEN MARSHALL entitled ‘The Demise of the Diesel Hydraulics’ and published by Transport Treasury and as expected, this new book is flying off the shelves so CLICK HERE to place your order NOW. This is a hardback book that is LARGER than A4 in size and has 176 pages with 230 images, so the price of £29.95 is well justified.

    Here’s some feedback from long-time DEPG member and supporter NEVILLE SLOPER:

         “Wow! What can I say ?

         I have a very extensive collection of hydraulic-themed books, dating back to my first purchase “Diesels Western Style” by Keith Montague in 1974. On first browse, this is up there with the very best and well worth every penny. If it wasn’t for the fact that we have family round today, I wouldn’t be putting it down !”

    Many thanks to Neville for that resounding endorsement !

     

     

     

    DEPG NEWS: the next formal meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held on Saturday 23rd May at Williton. Please use our CONTACT FORM if you are a DEPG member and would like to have a question placed before the Board.

    The first of our ‘new batch’ of trainee secondmen to get a training turn this year has been our Trustee and Volunteer Representative Linda, and her obvious delight was captured in this photo of her holding the token at Bishops Lydeard station on Wednesday 6th May 2026, when she joined the crew for the 40-mile round trip to Minehead. Well done Linda !

     

    DEPG volunteer trainee secondman Linda was pictured holding the Bishops Lydeard to Williton Section Token before departure from Bishops Lydeard Station on board Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) on Wednesday 6th May 2026. Photo by Mike Lanning © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    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

    Go to Join Us page

    Go to Welcome page

    Go to Home page

     

  • Weekly Roundup – 01-May-26

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was in charge of the 11:00 mineral service to Rothley Brook via Swithland when pictured departing from Loughborough on Sunday 26th April 2026. The ‘Hymek’ has been a star performer at the GCR since last September and her visit has been a big success. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was in use on each day of the GCR‘s Spring Diesel Gala and was pictured at Kinchley Lane while working the 1520 Loughborough to Leicester North service on Saturday 25th April 2026. Photo by Gary Lemon © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Wearing matching liveries (except for the small yellow warning panel that was added to both locos after they had entered service) – Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was pictured alongside Class 55 ‘Deltic’ D9015 ‘TULYAR’ at Loughborough during the GCR Spring Diesel Gala. Photo dated 24th April 2026 by Matthew Fenwick © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    The WSR’s SPRING STEAM SPECTACULAR is in full swing and will run through this Bank Holiday weekend and also on Monday 4th May, with no less than 11 steam locos in use, including ex-LNER ‘A4’ Pacific 60007 ‘SIR NIGEL GRESLEY’ as the headliner of diverse mix of locos on an intensive schedule, to deliver an action-packed event for the WSR’s 50th Anniversary Year.

     

    The DEPG yard and shed is open to the public on each of the four days with the very popular ‘Irie 7’ catering van adjacent to our trackside viewing area, and Rod’s Model Railway Sales stand and the DEPG’s own sales stand set up in the loco shed. The following locos will be on display in the yard, several of which will open for cab visits:

     

    Opening the Williton facility to the public means that all except the most essential tasks have to be suspended, but this only happens twice a year, once at the steam gala and again at the diesel gala. The other events that take place during the year are ‘open YARD’ events where our volunteers can continue working in the loco shed, even though the public are able to freely access the yard and have shed visits on a guided basis. The loss of some working days is accepted because it is important to be open to the public, to raise awareness of DEPG activities, to attract new members, to attract new volunteers and of course to sell merchandise and receive donations that fund the work that is taking place.

    Come along and visit us and see for yourself !

     

    On Wednesday 6th, Thursday 7th, Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th, the 12:25 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and 14:30 return services will be hauled by Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) and this loco is currently at Williton on standby in case she is needed during the steam gala.

     

    Keep an eye on our Diesel Running Dates page for advance notice of loco allocations. Note: if these published loco allocations change, we will endeavour to release a DIESELGEN bulletin, provided that we have enough advance notice to make it worthwhile.

    Click here to go to the WSR Calendar page, then click on the date of interest.

     

    The WSR’s EVENTS and EXPERIENCES web page gives details of other 2026 events. Click here or on the graphic below to go to the WSR Calendar Page for details and dates.

     

    WSR 50 SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL – 4th to 7th June

    The WSR have announced two visitors from the Wensleydale Railway in the form of Class 47 47714 (D1955, 47511) and Class 37 37250 (D6950), both locos adding a splash of colour to the greens and blues of the event.

    Click here or on an image below to go to the WSR’s event page:

     

    DEPG locos of classes 08, 09, 14, 33 and 35 will also be in use and Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ will be open to visitors at Williton Yard, along with Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 and Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 (ROF 1).

    The DEPG depot at Williton will be open to the public and will be offering hot drinks and an expanded range of hot snacks from the ever-popular ‘Irie 7’ team, together with a seated viewing area, Rod’s Model Railways sales stand and the DEPG merchandise stand, plus cab visits to locos on shed, depot tours and some SPECIAL EXHIBITS …. DEFINITELY NOT TO BE MISSED !

    Click here to go to the WSR’s event page.

     

     

    LOCO NEWS:

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’– two teams were working in parallel last weekend, with Gordon and Glenn working on re-fitting components to the ‘B’ bogie while Phil and Tim L concentrated on cleaning up the components of the secondary suspension in readiness for re-fitting these parts as soon as the painters have caught up !

    We could really use another pair of hands, so please come along and help out on D1010 if you can. Use our CONTACT FORM if you are able to volunteer on a Saturday or a Tuesday – or both !

    D1010 – the brake rigging components are now being re-fitted to the ‘B’ bogie, and Glenn is evidently enjoying the challenge of figuring out which parts go where ! Luckily, we still have the ‘A’ bogie complete with brake rigging, to guide us. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 25th April 2026 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    D1010 – more brake rigging components on the opposite side of the ‘B’ bogie. The pressure is now on the painters to catch up ! Pictured at Williton on Saturday 25th April 2026 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    D1010 – needle-gunner extraordinaire Phil poses for the camera with one of the secondary suspension coil springs at Williton on Tuesday 28th April 2026. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    D1010 – new volunteer Tim L gets a coat of primer on to the tested and needle-gunned secondary suspension springs at Williton on Tuesday 28th April 2026. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 08 08401 (D3516) – this loco is fully serviceable in air brake mode and was used to shunt the north and south yards at Williton on Saturday 25th April, the objective being to clear the loco shed for the gala and organise the locos on No. 1 road into the most appropriate sequence, taking account of their next booked movements.

     

    Class 09 D4107 (09019) – this loco has now returned to Bishops Lydeard and resumed her duties as station pilot.

     

    Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco was hauled out of the loco shed on Saturday 25th April and positioned on No. 1 road where she can be prepared for her Vehicle Inspection & Brake Test (VIBT). The objective is for this loco to take over duties from sister loco D6575 (33057) from Tuesday 12th May.

     

    Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is currently the ‘duty loco’ and has been moved to Williton to provide ‘Thunderbird’ cover during the steam gala. This loco will be in use again on Wednesday 6th, Thursday 7th, Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th May, and will then return to Williton to undergo a thorough exterior cleanup in preparation for the ‘Graham treatment’ on the weekend of 16/17 May. The plan is to smarten her up for the Summer Diesel Festival (4-7 June) and for her 65th birthday celebrations later in the year (see the DIESELS AT 65 event page).

    Class 08 shunter 08401 (D3516) is at the head of No. 1 road at Williton with Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) on No. 2 road and Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 (ROF 1) on No. 3 road. Pictured on Friday 1st May 2026 by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is fully serviceable and remains on display at Minehead during this 50th anniversary year of the re-opening of the WSR, this loco having been present at Minehead right from the start.

    BREAKING NEWS : This loco will be heading to the NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS RAILWAY to participate in their ANNUAL DIESEL GALA that takes place from Thursday 11th to Sunday 14th June (the week after the WSR diesel event). Our ‘Hymek’ will be operating alongside her BR(W) friends Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9553 and Class 37 37688 (D6905, 37205) ‘Great Rocks’ and will be re-united with her DEPG stablemate 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ once again. Click here for details.

    With Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) for company, Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 is still making a powerful impression, 50 years after starting her second life, in preservation on the WSR. Pictured under threatening skies at Minehead on Tuesday 28th April 2026 by Junior Bolton © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – after her highly successful 8-month stay at the Great Central Railway, this loco has now moved to Kidderminster on the SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY where she will participate in the SVR’s SPRING DIESEL FESTIVAL that takes place from Thursday 14th through Sunday 17th May. The ‘Hymek’ will also be used for crew training while at the SVR and will be in the care of our friends at the Diesel Traction Group. We hope that she will also see some use on charters and specials during her 10-week stay.

    D7018 – being loaded onto an Allelys Heavy Haulage transporter at Quorn on the GCR at the end of her very successful 8-month stay in Leicestershire. Pictured on Thursday 30th April 2026 by Paul Tucker © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    D7018 – and the next morning, Friday 1st May 2026, being unloaded at Kidderminster on the Severn Valley Railway. Photo by Paul Tucker © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    After completion of her stay on the SVR, D7018 will then move to the GWSR in July before returning home to the WSR in time for the DIESELS at 65 event in late August.

    Severn Valley Railway (SVR)

    14-17 May 2026

    Gloucestershire-Warwickshire

    24-26 July 2026

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – with the need to move sister loco D9526 back to Williton and the need to undertake training on the Tuesday, the team have not had much of a chance to work on D9518 during this last week, but this is just a temporary pause. Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible !

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is now back at Williton after spending the entire winter on duty at Bishops Lydeard, covering for Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019).

    D9526 – pictured just after arrival back at Williton on Saturday 25th April 2026, with secondman Terry receiving positioning instructions from shunter Tom. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is based at Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway awaiting a replacement triple pump motor, and we thought that we had taken care of this, but a last-minute snag has set us back a few weeks, which is disappointing – but will be overcome. Once repaired, the loco will then need to go out for tyre turning, which will be a convoy move over the main line from Grosmont with several other NYMR diesels.

     

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is back in working order and is in the queue for her annual VIBT certificate renewal, which will be dealt with as soon as the Class 33s have been swapped over.

     

    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 Saturdays and Tuesdays 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:

    Still feeling the cold in the evenings and mornings ? Go ahead and order a fleece jacket or sweatshirt via our ONLINE STORE, just click on this link or on the images below 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, or both in blue. Please let us know if you would like to order a combination that is not obvious on our online store. We hope to be able to offer a Class 14 design in the coming weeks.

    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

     

     

    ON SHED – during the last few weeks, we have featured some photos from DAVID HINGSTON, and these have set us some challenges in identifying the locations and dates, and so far we have managed to determine the places and come close to the dates – with quite a bit of help from our readers and correspondents. The photo in last week’s roundup was thought to present a bit more of a challenge, but messages received the very next day showed otherwise.

    The industrial landscape, the Class 24 or 25, the upper quadrant signals, the gas lights on the platform (with totems) all suggested a midlands location, but where ?

    Here are the responses from long-time DEPG members Neville Sloper and Clive Burrows, with thanks to both for responding.

    From Neville:

         “The class 25 photo in last week’s round up is at Saltley station. It’s heading in the down direction along the “Up and Down Lawley Street Goods line” probably heading for the (then) huge goods depot behind where the current freightliner depot stands.”

    And from Clive:

         “I thought you would like to see this photograph taken from Saltley Station in a similar direction to the photograph of the Sulzer Type 2 in your latest Weekly Roundup. The location of the photograph was very familiar to me, but I will leave the task of identifying the locomotive to some of our more observant colleagues. I am not sure whether the locomotive is a later series Class 24 or and early series Class 25, but it is evidently still fitted with a steam generator.”

    Looking northward from Saltley Station in 1964 with Nechells Power Station and Saltley Gas Works in the distance. The station closed in March 1968 but the power station lasted until November 1982. An ex-LMS built Ivatt 2-6-0 has just passed through the station, tender first, en route to Washwood Heath yard. Photo by Bill Williamson via Facebook © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    The website derbysulzers has a page that cover the changes made as production evolved from the early Class 24s through to the later Class 25s and the information on this page suggests that our subject loco is an early Class 25. The main giveways are the horns being mounted alongside the headcode box and the lack of ventilators above the cab doors. The headcode ‘-T33’ was identified by DEPG volunteer Mike Harris as being ‘Trip 33’ or ‘Target 33’ local trip working in the Birmingham area.

    As Saltley Station was closed in March 1968, we can estimate the date as being in late 1967 or early 1968, unlikley to be earlier because of the full yellow end on the ’25’.

    UPDATED CAPTION: An unidentified green-liveried Class 25 hauls a mixed goods train through Saltley Station on the ‘Trip 33’ or ‘Target 33’ working to Lawley Street Goods Depot, most probably in late 1967 or early 1968. Photo by David Hingston © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    This week, we have three more from the vast collection that David shared with us, this time back to the Eastern Region with a view of a Class 37 which appears to be D6720 (37020, 37702) passing Finsbury Park Station signal box on an unknown date in the late 1960s on the 5E13 partially-fitted freight working (possibly tank wagons). There are two signal boxes in this view, the smaller one in the foreground carrying a number 6, which no doubt has some significance (?). Then, taken from a little further back on the platform, we get a better impression of the station and yard layout, as a Class 55 ‘Deltic’ bears down upon us with the 1A13 service towards Kings Cross. The third photo, all probably taken on the same day, shows a Class 31 that was allocated to the nearby Finsbury Park depot at the time. Can anyone help to provide more information about these images ? If yes, please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know. Thanks in advance !

    A Class 37, possibly D6720 (37020, 37702) was pictured passing one of several signal boxes at Finsbury Park Station with the 5E13 goods working, possibly tank wagons, sometime in the late 1960s. Photo by David Hingston © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    An unidentified Class 55 ‘Deltic’ rushes through Finsbury Park Station with the 1A13 express for Kings Cross, sometime in the late 1960s. Photo by David Hingston © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Green-liveried Class 31 D5596 (31403) was pictured passing through Finsbury Park Station, sometime in the late 1960s. Photo by David Hingston © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Many thanks to David for sharing his photos 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 !

     

     

    NEW BOOKS ON SALE

    A few weeks back, we announced a NEW BOOK compiled by ROGER GEACH based on the photographs of the late STEPHEN MARSHALL entitled ‘The Demise of the Diesel Hydraulics’ and published by Transport Treasury and as expected, this new book is flying off the shelves so CLICK HERE to place your order NOW. This is a hardback book that is LARGER than A4 in size and has 176 pages with 230 images, so the price of £29.95 is well justified.

    Here’s some feedback from long-time DEPG member and supporter NEVILLE SLOPER:

         “Wow! What can I say ?

         I have a very extensive collection of hydraulic-themed books, dating back to my first purchase “Diesels Western Style” by Keith Montague in 1974. On first browse, this is up there with the very best and well worth every penny. If it wasn’t for the fact that we have family round today, I wouldn’t be putting it down !”

    Many thanks to Neville for that resounding endorsement !

     

     

     

    DEPG NEWS: more training took place at Williton on Tuesday 28th April, with the third group of ‘victims’ for the Mobile Elevating Work Platform course (cherry pickers, in everyday language!). Next Tuesday, we will be doing refresher training for four of our heavy-duty Fork Lift Truck drivers, and then we will focus back on the Hot Work training. It seems never ending, but safety is no accident and training has to be given the top priority.

    DEPG volunteers (L-R) Terry, Nick and Tim Z were pictured with Safety Training South West instructor Nigel at Williton on Tuesday 28th April 2026. Photo by Anthony Austin © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    DEPG volunteer Tim Z was pictured while operating the MEWP at height after receiving training at Williton on Tuesday 28th April 2026. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    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

    Go to Join Us page

    Go to Welcome page

    Go to Home page

     

  • Weekly Roundup – 24-Apr-26

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) was in charge of the 12:25 service from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead on Tuesday 21st April 2026 and was pictured departing from Williton with (L-R) Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019) and Class 08 shunter 08401 (D3516) stabled alongside on No. 1 road and No. 2 road respectively. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Activities are gearing up for the WSR’s SPRING STEAM SPECTACULAR which takes place over the long weekend of Friday 1st through Monday 4th May, with no less than 11 steam locos in use, including some very big names, a mix that is going to pull in the crowds and deliver an action-packed event to mark the WSR’s 50th Anniversary Year.

     

    The DEPG yard and shed will be open to the public on each of the four days with the very popular ‘Irie 7’ catering van adjacent to our trackside viewing area, and Rod’s Model Railway Sales stand and the DEPG’s own sales stand set up in the loco shed. The following locos will be on display in the yard, several of which will open for cab visits:

     

    In advance of the gala, the DEPG has been busy completing the work on Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019) and this useful little loco was cleared to re-enter traffic last Saturday and has since returned to Bishops Lydeard, much to the relief of Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526, who will be returning to Williton on Saturday 25th (departing at approximately 13:00) after undergoing an underframe exam over the pit at Westridge, Bishops Lydeard that morning.

    Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019) was pictured as she trundled through Crowcombe Heathfield station, heading ‘up’ on the ‘down’ line while en route to Bishops Lydeard in perfect Spring weather on Wednesday 22nd April 2026. Photo by Jo Ward © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Between now and the gala, diesel services will be handled by the WSR’s ‘hybrid’ Class 115/117 DMU, which will be at work on Saturday 25th, Sunday 26th and Tuesday 28th April, after which the diesels retreat to let the steam locos take over all workings until Wednesday 6th May, when Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) will be hauling the 12:25 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and 14:30 return services on Wednesday 6th, Thursday 7th, Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th.

     

    Keep an eye on our Diesel Running Dates page for advance notice of loco allocations. Note: if these published loco allocations change, we will endeavour to release a DIESELGEN bulletin, provided that we have enough advance notice to make it worthwhile.

    Click here to go to the WSR Calendar page, then click on the date of interest.

     

    The WSR’s EVENTS and EXPERIENCES web page gives details of other 2026 events. Click here or on the graphic below to go to the WSR Calendar Page for details and dates.

     

    WSR 50 SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL – 4th to 7th June

    The WSR have already announced two visitors from the Wensleydale Railway in the form of Class 47 47714 (D1955, 47511) and Class 37 37250 (D6950), both locos adding a splash of colour to the greens and blues of the event.

    Click here or on an image below to go to the WSR’s event page:

     

    DEPG locos of classes 08, 09, 14, 33 and 35 will also be in use and Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ will be open to visitors at Williton Yard, along with Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 and Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 (ROF 1).

    The DEPG depot at Williton will be open to the public and will be offering hot drinks and an expanded range of hot snacks from the ever-popular ‘Irie 7’ team, together with a seated viewing area, Rod’s Model Railways sales stand and the DEPG merchandise stand, plus cab visits to locos on shed, depot tours and some SPECIAL EXHIBITS …. DEFINITELY NOT TO BE MISSED !

    Click here to go to the WSR’s event page.

     

     

    LOCO NEWS:

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the weld repair and the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) work on the upper and outer surfaces of the ‘B’ bogie were completed last Saturday, clearing the way for the painters to take over and change the colour of the exposed metal from white to red to grey to black. As soon as the paint is dry, the primary springs and the intermediate gearbox can be re-fitted, followed closely by the secondary suspension components and the external brake rigging. 

    In parallel, (but working at opposite ends of the bogie for safety) the NDT work will switch to the underside of the frames, which is a job that none of us are looking forward to, but it has to be done.

    Fitting parts back on the bogie gives a real boost to morale, and we will soon be swapping the bogies so that the ‘B’ bogie can go on display alongside the loco and the ‘A’ bogie can be moved into the loco shed for the overhaul process to be carried out in the same manner – but more quickly, as we now know exactly what to do and how to do it.

    We could really use another pair of hands, so please come along and help out on D1010 if you can. Use our CONTACT FORM if you are able to volunteer on a Saturday or a Tuesday – or both !

    D1010 – the ‘B’ bogie at Williton on Saturday 18th April 2026, the red oxide primer showing the extent of the areas that have already been crack tested and have been cleared for painting. In the foreground, one of the brake hangers is in the process of going from grey undercoat to black gloss. On the right, one of the refurbished cardan shafts awaits a coat of yellow gloss. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    D1010 – the white and pink areas of the ‘B’ bogie were pictured whilst undergoing dye penetrant crack testing at Williton on Saturday 18th April 2026. These areas have now been passed as being free from defects and the painters can now clean off the white powdery coating and apply red oxide primer. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

     

    Class 08 08401 (D3516) – this loco is fully serviceable in air brake mode and will be in use to shunt the yard at Williton on Saturday 25th April, the objective being to clear No. 2 road for the gala and organise the locos on No. 1 road into the most appropriate sequence, taking account of their next booked movements.

     

    Class 09 D4107 (09019) – this loco completed her annual Vehicle Inspection & Brake Test (VIBT) last Saturday and was released to traffic later that day. As already reported, the loco left Williton for Bishops Lydeard on Wednesday 22nd and this will in turn release Class 14 D9526 to return to Williton.

    Class 09 D4107 (09019) completed her annual Vehicle Inspection and Brake Test (VIBT) at Williton on Saturday 18th April 2026 and was released to traffic by DEPG chairman Martin Howard (pictured) shortly afterwards. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is indoors on No. 2 road and has been the subject of a lot of attention to get her ready to return to service and allow sister loco D6575 (33057) a chance to enter the shed for a paintwork refresh in time for the Summer Diesel Festival (4-7 June). The slow and tedious task of repairing the clamps that secure the engine room roof section was taken up by Tony, and he was pictured after drilling out and re-tapping one of the eleven bolted roof catches that had sheared off when the roof section was removed a few weeks previously. Well done Tony !

    D6566 (33048) – volunteer Tony was pictured at Williton on Tuesday 21st April 2026 while replacing one of the eleven roof clamp bolts that had sheared off. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    D6566 (33048) – meanwhile, outside, volunteer Linda was busy applying the second coat of fibreglass sealant to the engine room roof section. Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 21st April 2026 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    D6566 (33048) – the loco was started up on Saturday 18th April 2026 and checks carried out to make sure that everything was ready for the engine room roof section to be re-fitted (planned for Saturday 25th). Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is the ‘duty loco’ and was in use on Tuesday 21st April 2026 on the 12:25 service from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead. The loco will remain at Minehead pending a return to Williton that is currently planned for Wednesday 29th April.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is fully serviceable and has been stabled at Minehead awaiting a chance to go over the pit for an underframe inspection. This opportunity came around on Saturday 18th April, so the loco was started up and checked over before being positioned over the pit for the inspection and brake rigging adjustment.

    D7017 – a very unusual angle – looking upward while the loco was positioned over the pit at Minehead on Saturday 18th April 2026. Photo by Anthony Austin © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    D7017 – and the view down under – and an explanation for the reflection under the loco in the previous photo – there was some water in the pit ! Pictured at Minehead on Saturday 18th April 2026 by Anthony Austin © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco is participating in the Great Central Railway’s SPRING DIESEL GALA that runs from Friday 24th through Sunday 26th April and the weather is perfect, adding to the occasion and providing plenty of photo opportunities.

    D7018 – perfect weather for the GCR’s Spring Diesel Gala that runs from 24th to 26th April. Pictured at Leicester North on Friday 24th April 2026 by Peter Bamber © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    This loco will be moving to her next vacationing spot at the Severn Valley Railway on Friday 1st May and then to the GWSR in July before returning home to the WSR in time for the DIESELS at 65 event in late August.

    Great Central Railway (GCR)

    24-26 April 2026

    Severn Valley Railway (SVR)

    14-17 May 2026

    Gloucestershire-Warwickshire

    24-26 July 2026

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – as the work on the engine progresses, the fitters need to be constantly fed with parts that have to be found then cleaned then inspected then painted before they can be re-fitted to the engine. Volunteer Andy P was at work on the air intake manifold castings at Williton last Saturday, taking great care to mask the areas that are not to be painted, so as to avoid difficulties with leaking joints at a later date. The Tuesday Team will fit these parts as soon as they have been painted.

    D9518 – one of the engine air intake castings for the Paxman 6YJXL engine was pictured at Williton on Saturday 18th April 2026 while volunteer Andy P applied masking tape to the joint areas. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    D9518 – a close-up of one of the engine air intake castings for the Paxman 6YJXL engine shows the engine model number clearly embossed in the casting. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 18th April 2026 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco will undergo an underframe inspection at Westridge shed, Bishops Lydeard, on the morning of Saturday 25th April and will then return to Williton, after a winter ‘vacation’ that has lasted for five months. The booked departure time from Bishops Lydeard is 13:00, but this is subject to the loco being ready and a path being available.

     

    Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is based at Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway but has been ‘stopped’ because of an issue with her ‘triple pump’ – which is an electrical machine that is a combined water pump, oil pump and fuel pump, all driven from one big DC electric motor. The DEPG’s spare motor has now been reconditioned by CARWOOD REWINDS in Yeovil and has been shipped to Grosmont and is being prepared for installation into 47077. Once repaired, the loco will then need to go out for tyre turning, which will be a convoy move over the main line from Grosmont with several other NYMR diesels.

    47077 – the reconditioned motor for the ‘triple pump’ has been delivered to Grosmont and will now be installed in the loco. Pictured on Thursday 23rd April 2026 by Josh Smith © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco has now received attention to her fuel system, courtesy of Tony and Gwyn, and her engine was run for a while on Tuesday 14th April to warm through. She will be due for her annual VIBT certificate renewal, but meanwhile, Class 08 shunter 08401 (D3516) is available at Williton and is fully certified for shunting duties.

     

    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 Saturdays and Tuesdays 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:

    Still feeling the cold in the evenings and mornings ? Go ahead and order a fleece jacket or sweatshirt via our ONLINE STORE, just click on this link or on the images below 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, or both in blue. Please let us know if you would like to order a combination that is not obvious on our online store. We intend to offer a Class 14 design in the coming weeks.

    The range of colours has 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

    These garments are really nice pieces of work, and the ability to personalise your choice is another definite advantage. Delivery is currently around ONE WEEK from receipt of order, so place you order now to take advantage of this short lead time.

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

     

     

    ON SHED – during the last few weeks, we have featured some photos from DAVID HINGSTON, and these have set us some challenges in identifying the locations and dates, and so far so good, we have managed to determine the places and come close to the dates – with quite a bit of help from our readers and correspondents. The photo this week might present more of a challenge !

    First, let’s cover the feedback on the photo of D602 ‘BULLDOG’ from last week. Here’s some info from DEPG member Paul Mear:

         “As regards D602 ‘BULLDOG’ being painted Blue with Small Yellow Ends when it was also painted Green with Small Yellow Ends when it had split headcodes, l have learnt that the explanation is that the loco caught fire during 1966.”

    Paul also reported that John Jennison’s ‘BOOK OF THE WARSHIPS’ gives more details and shows that the loco was outshopped after completion of the fire damage repairs on 6th February 1967.

    Many thank to Paul for providing his feedback.

     

    This week, we have another photo from David, but there are very few clues this time. The subject is a green-liveried Class 25 with a full yellow end, working a mixed goods train. The setting is heavy industrial and the date is probably in the late 1960s as per David’s other photos, but the location doesn’t ring any bells with me. Anyone know more ?

    An unidentified green-liveried Class 25 hauls a mixed goods train through an industrial landscape, thought to be some time in the late 1960s. If you recognise this location, please get in touch by using our CONTACT FORM. Photo by David Hingston © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Many thanks to David for sharing his photos 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 !

     

     

    NEW BOOKS ON SALE

    A few weeks back, we announced a NEW BOOK compiled by ROGER GEACH based on the photographs of the late STEPHEN MARSHALL entitled ‘The Demise of the Diesel Hydraulics’ and published by Transport Treasury and as expected, this new book is flying off the shelves so CLICK HERE to place your order NOW. This is a hardback book that is LARGER than A4 in size and has 176 pages with 230 images, so the price of £29.95 is well justified.

    Here’s some feedback from long-time DEPG member and supporter NEVILLE SLOPER:

         “Wow! What can I say ?

         I have a very extensive collection of hydraulic-themed books, dating back to my first purchase “Diesels Western Style” by Keith Montague in 1974. On first browse, this is up there with the very best and well worth every penny. If it wasn’t for the fact that we have family round today, I wouldn’t be putting it down !”

    Many thanks to Neville for that resounding endorsement !

     

     

     

    DEPG NEWS: the next major event on the WSR will be the SPRING STEAM SPECTACULAR and the DEPG will be opening our yard and shed to the public for all four days of the event (Friday 1st through Monday 4th May). Although it is a steam gala, the sheer number of visitors makes it one of most important fund-raising events for the DEPG, so we will be spending some time and effort in preparing for this event during the coming week, and suspending normal activities for the duration of the ‘open shed’ event.

    Other activities at Williton recently have been heavily training-oriented, with external specialist provider SAFETY TRAINING SOUTH WEST being on site several times already this year to train our team in the safe use of our recently-restored Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP or ‘cherry picker’ in everyday language). Here’s a photo that made me think of a few alternative captions, such as ‘OK, you have had your fun, now get me down from here’, but I am sure that it was all part of the training.

    The recently-restored ‘Nifty Lift’ MEWP was in use for training purposes at Williton on Tuesday 21st April 2026. Photo by Anthony Austin © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    London Marathon – Sunday 26th April 2026 – There is still time to support Reece in his efforts to raise funds for the WSRA’s BR Standard Class 4MT 4-6-0T 80064, a special cause in remembrance of our late colleague John Cooke, who played a major part in saving this loco and in arranging for it to be transferred into the care of the WSRA for future use on the WSR. Click here or on the image below to learn about the efforts of a WSRA member to fund raise for the restoration of this locomotive: 

     

     

    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

     

  • Weekly Roundup – 17-Apr-26

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 was out and about on Sunday 12th April 2026 and was pictured during the Stogumber Station stop on the return leg of her journey, while working the 14:30 Minehead to Bishops Lydeard service. Photo by Tom Courtney © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Last weekend saw two of our locos in use on the WSR, with an unexpected out-and-back working for Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) on the Saturday – the outbound leg being ’33’ hauled as planned, but the return leg was standing-in for a steam loco that had developed a fault. Luckily, the ’33’ was made available for the return journey by postponing a planned Empty Coaching Stock (ECS) move that would have otherwise taken the loco back to Bishops Lydeard later that day.

    Then, on Sunday, Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 worked her first passenger turn of the 2026 season, being in charge of the 12:25 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and the 14:30 return service. This 3-coach service is perfect for the 650hp loco and gave her a chance to stretch her legs after being cooped up on station pilot duty at Bishops Lydeard while Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019) was being lavished with attention at Williton depot. We hope to see the ’14’ in use on this duty several more times this year – keep an eye on our Diesel Running Dates page for advance notice of loco allocations. Note: if these published loco allocations change, we will endeavour to release a DIESELGEN bulletin, provided that we have enough advance notice to make it worthwhile.

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) worked the 12:25 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and the 14:30 return service on Saturday 11th April 2026 and was pictured at Williton while volunteer loco manager Ian R and his assistant Ethan W received a loco status update from volunteer WSR and SDR driver John S. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    There are no diesel services booked for this coming weekend (18/19 April) but on Tuesday 21st April, Class 33 ‘Crompton’D6575 (33057) will be working the 12:25 departure from Bishops Lydeard but NOT the 14:30 return, which will be covered by the WSR’s ‘hybrid’ Class 115/117 DMU, with the DMU also in use out-and-back on the Wednesday. PLEASE COME ALONG AND RIDE BEHIND THESE DIESELS so that we can get more opportunities to use them. Thanks !

    Click here to go to the WSR Calendar page, then click on the date of interest.

     

    The WSR’s EVENTS and EXPERIENCES web page gives details of other 2026 events. Click here or on the graphic below to go to the WSR Calendar Page for details and dates.

     

    WSR 50 SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL – 4th to 7th June

    The WSR have announced two visitors from the Wensleydale Railway in the form of Class 47 47714 (D1955, 47511), wearing the striking ‘Rail Express Systems (RES)‘ livery and Class 37 37250 (D6950) wearing the ‘EWS‘ livery, both locos adding a splash of colour to the greens and blues of the event.

    Click here or on an image below to go to the WSR’s event page:

     

    DEPG locos of classes 08, 09, 14, 33 and 35 will also be in use and Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ will be open to visitors at Williton Yard, along with Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 and Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 (ROF 1).

    The DEPG depot at Williton will be open to the public and will be offering hot drinks and an expanded range of hot snacks from the ever-popular ‘Irie 7’ team, together with a seated viewing area, Rod’s Model Railways sales stand and the DEPG merchandise stand, plus cab visits to locos on shed, depot tours and some SPECIAL EXHIBITS …. DEFINITELY NOT TO BE MISSED !

    Click here to go to the WSR’s event page.

     

     

    Our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page is regularly updated to cover the planned diesel-hauled services for 2026, and we have now added the loco allocations for April and May. The table shows that there is a lot of diesel running planned for the WSR this year. Click here or on the image below to take a look:

     

    LOCO NEWS:

     

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – more progress was made last weekend with a team of six working on the ‘B’ bogie and making progress on two fronts – one being the preparation for the re-installation of the primary suspension springs, and the other being the steady progression of the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) work that has so far detected one small crack that dates back to BR days (and was made safe back then). We will be carrying out a repair on this crack, hopefully this coming weekend, which will then allow us to re-fit the intermediate gearbox and free up some more working space around the outside of the bogie.

    The components that attach to the springs were gathered, cleaned and inspected last weekend, and a few issues detected that will need the attention of a machine shop, but nothing major and nothing that will delay us – we have plenty of other parts to be working on !

    Within a week or two, the springs will be back in the bogie and the frame will then be raised up to its normal running height, making it much easier to access the underside of the frames for more NDT work.

    We are very happy to report that new volunteer Tim L joined us last week, and another pair of hands makes a real difference, so please come along and help out on D1010. Use our CONTACT FORM if you are able to volunteer on a Saturday or a Tuesday – or both !

    D1010 – four of the team at work on the ‘B’ bogie at Williton on Saturday 11th April 2026. From L-R, Gordon was trial-fitting the thrust pieces that sit on top of the axle boxes, Ian F will be applying the dye penetrant as soon as Phil has prepared the surfaces, and Tim L was busy cleaning up the rest of the thrust pieces. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    D1010 – missing from the previous picture, Glenn was also working with Gordon on preparing for the primary springs to be re-installed. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 11th April 2026 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    D1010 – volunteer Ian F was getting into a corner to apply the dye penetrant to the bogie frame. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 11th April 2026 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    D1010 – volunteer Phil was preparing the one remaining area of the upper bogie frame for dye penetrant inspection. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 11th April 2026 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    D1010 – new volunteer Tim L was hard at work cleaning up the individual components of the primary suspension in readiness for inspection and re-fitting to the bogie. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 11th April 2026 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 08 08401 (D3516) – this loco is fully serviceable in air brake mode and can be used for shunting in the yard or elsewhere, subject to the restriction caused by the lack of vacuum brake equipment. The various piece parts and assemblies are being gathered and we hope to get this loco dual braked before the autumn.

    08401 (D3516) – out in the yard, DEPG Chairman Martin was caught while enjoying a quiet moment with a tin of red paint and the buffer beam of the ’08’ – and why not ! Pictured at Williton on Saturday 11th April 2026 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 09 D4107 (09019) – this loco received some attention to two items that had been flagged when she was subjected to her annual Vehicle Inspection & Brake Test (VIBT) back in March. A sticking brake cylinder was inspected, lubricated and exercised, and some trip hazards on the cab floor were dealt with. The one remaining task is to attend to the compressor safety valve, which appears to be blowing off at too low a pressure. As soon as this is resolved, the loco will be ready to return to service at Bishops Lydeard.

    Shunters on shed – Class 09 D4107 (09019) is on the left and Class 08 08401 (D3516) is on the right, showing off her freshly painted bright red buffer beam. Pictured at Williton on Sunday 12th April 2026 by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is indoors on No. 2 road and has now had the worn cylinder head replaced. The next task is to complete the repairs to the engine room roof section and repair or replace the bolted roof catches, many of which have sheared off !

    Then, the loco can come out of the shed to have the repaired exhauster lowered back into place, then the engine room roof can go back on, then there is a round of testing and inspection to be carried out before the loco can be released to traffic – hopefully in early May.

    D6566 (33048) – a refurbished cylinder head has now been fitted and the exhaust manifold re-attached and lagged with non-asbestos heat insulating wrap. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 11th April 2026 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is the ‘duty loco’ based at Bishops Lydeard and will be in use on Tuesday 21st April 2026 on the 12:25 service from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead but NOT on the return service, because that service will be covered by the WSR’s Class 115/117 DMU.

     

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is fully serviceable and is stabled at Minehead following her participation in the WSR’s 50th ANNIVERSARY EVENT that took place on 28/29 March. This loco will move back to Williton in the near future but will be started up at Minehead on Saturday 18th and then moved over to the pit to have her brake rigging adjusted to compensate for the wear in the brake blocks.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco will remain at the GCR for their DIESEL GALA that runs from Friday 24th through Sunday 26th April before moving to her next vacationing spot at the Severn Valley Railway, and then to the GWSR in July before returning to the WSR in August.

    D7018 will participate at THREE diesel galas on other railways before returning to her home territory in August, in time to feature in the WSR’s DIESELS AT 65 event over August Bank Holiday weekend.

    Great Central Railway (GCR)

    24-26 April 2026

    Severn Valley Railway (SVR)

    14-17 May 2026

    Gloucestershire-Warwickshire

    24-26 July 2026

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – the team continues to work on the engine, with more external parts being re-fitted and the engine getting larger all the time. This week, the coolant manifolds and coolant pump attachments were re-fitted (all painted blue, the standard colour for coolant pipework). The genuine ex-Paxman engine turnover rig is evidently very useful when doing work of this kind, as it brings the work to the technician rather than have the technician having to climb on ladders or staging.

    D9518 – the Paxman 6YJXL engine was pictured at Williton on Tuesday 14th April 2026 whilst being held in a horizontal position by the genuine ex-Paxman factory engine turnover rig, to facilitate the re-fitting of the coolant manifolds and coolant pump attachments. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco was in use on Sunday 12th April 2026 on the 12:25 service from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and the 14:30 return service, which was comprised of three coaches, a comfortable and efficient load for the 650 hp loco. Upon return to Bishops Lydeard, the ’14’ resumed her role as the station pilot, a duty that she will cover until relieved later this month by Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019).

    D9526 – this BR Swindon-built 650hp 0-6-0 diesel hydraulic loco was in use on the 12:25 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and the 14:30 return service on Sunday 12th April 2026. Pictured before departure from Bishops Lydeard by Steven Beale © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is based at Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway but has been ‘stopped’ because of an issue with her ‘triple pump’ – which is an electrical machine that is a combined water pump, oil pump and fuel pump, all driven from one big DC electric motor. The spare motor has now been fully reconditioned and is being prepared for shipment to the NYMR for installation into 47077. Once repaired, the loco will then need to go out for tyre turning, which will be a convoy move over the main line from Grosmont with other NYMR diesels, probably in early May.

     

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco has now received attention to her fuel system, courtesy of Tony and Gwyn, and her engine was run for a while on Tuesday 14th April to warm through. She will be due for her annual VIBT certificate renewal, but meanwhile, Class 08 shunter 08401 (D3516) is available at Williton and is fully certified for shunting duties.

     

    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 Saturdays and Tuesdays 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:

    Still feeling the cold in the evenings and mornings ? Go ahead and order a fleece jacket or sweatshirt via our ONLINE STORE, just click on this link or on the images below 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, or both in blue. Please let us know if you would like to order a combination that is not obvious on our online store. We intend to offer a Class 14 design in the coming weeks.

    The range of colours has 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

    These garments are really nice pieces of work, and the ability to personalise your choice is another definite advantage. Delivery is currently around ONE WEEK from receipt of order, so place you order now to take advantage of this short lead time.

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

     

     

    ON SHED – during the last few weeks, we have featured some photos from DAVID HINGSTON, and these have set us some challenges in identifying the locations and dates, and so far so good, we have managed to determine the places and come close to the dates – with quite a bit of help from our readers and correspondents !

    The photo of Class 31 D5847 (31313) at London Liverpool Street continues to generate feedback, including this message from David himself:

         “Nice detective work to place D5847 at Liverpool St station. I didn’t think I had ever been there until relatively recently, but a mate and I spent a hectic week in the late ‘60s travelling around the country on a one-week railcard (returning to Plymouth every night!) which included a day in London.

         I thought we spent the whole day charging up and down Euston Road to maximise the Kings Cross/St Pancras/Euston copping experience, but obviously not … “

     

    We also received feedback from DEPG volunteer Viv Jones, who wrote:

         “Regarding the two Class 31s at Liverpool Street (or Brush Type 2s as I knew them historically), it can be seen the distant one has a BR double arrow logo on its side, despite being in green livery, not the BR lion & wheel the front loco has. I have a colour photo of a 31/Brush Type 2 on Bristol Bath Road shed which I took on 3rd April 1972 with the same BR double arrow logo on green livery. Therefore, I would suggest the Liverpool Street photo is either very late 60s or very early 70s, certainly no later than when proper headcodes and old numbers disappeared, not the mid-,60s as was stated. Both locos have D prefix so late 60s is more likely due to that.”

     

    Last week, we featured a photo of Class 27 D5409 (27116, 27210, 27064) at St Pancras Station with a Class 3 Empty Coaching Stock (ECS) working carrying the headcode 3E12. As this loco was transferred to the Scottish Region in March of 1969, and we now know from David’s earlier feedback that this was the late 1960s, we can set the date for both the Liverpool Street and the St Pancras photos as being no later than March 1969 and probably in the summer of 1968.

    Here’s some feedback from DEPG member and regular correspondent Neale Long:

         “As regards the Class 27, a nice, rare shot of that Class during their brief spell of employment on the LMR prior to transfer to Scotland. The headcode carried indicated an Eastern Region service from St Pancras, almost certainly to have been Sheffield. Interestingly, ECS services then were then classed as Class 3, this was then subsequently changed to Class 5 and now, wait for it, have returned to Class 3 again. The more things change the more things stay the same.”

     

    Many thanks to David, Viv and Neale for their feedback.

     

    This week, we have another photo from David but also have a photo of the same loco in a different location from DEPG member Robert Dalton. Our subject is one of the North British A1A-A1A ‘Warships’, later allocated Class 41 under TOPS but never known as such because of their very short lives – all five locos were withdrawn from service at the end of 1967, the eldest (D600) being just short of 10 years old at the time.

    North British Type 4 ‘WARSHIP’ D602 ‘BULLDOG’ emerges from Shillingham Tunnel, to the east of St Germans, Cornwall, with ‘THE CORNISHMAN’, the 1V33 service from Bradford Exchange to Penzance. This loco was only painted blue for a short while before being withdrawn, so the year has to be 1967. Photo by David Hingston © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    And now for the photo from Robert (Bob) Dalton, along with his narrative:

         “In the weekly update you having been asking for any photographs of diesels on shed. I took these in June 1965 at the former Penzance steam shed. D602 “BULLDOG”, of course, went on to be the only member of the class to be repainted in blue with small yellow panels, shortly before being withdrawn.”

    North British Type 4 ‘WARSHIP’ D602 ‘BULLDOG’ was pictured in her earlier BR-green livery while stabled outside the old steam shed at Long Rock, near Penzance, in June of 1965. Photo by Robert Dalton © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Many thanks to David and Bob for sharing their photos 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 !

     

     

    NEW BOOKS ON SALE

    A few weeks back, we announced a NEW BOOK compiled by ROGER GEACH based on the photographs of the late STEPHEN MARSHALL entitled ‘The Demise of the Diesel Hydraulics’ and published by Transport Treasury and as expected, this new book is flying off the shelves so CLICK HERE to place your order NOW. This is a hardback book that is LARGER than A4 in size and has 176 pages with 230 images, so the price of £29.95 is well justified.

    Here’s some feedback from long-time DEPG member and supporter NEVILLE SLOPER:

         “Wow! What can I say ?

         I have a very extensive collection of hydraulic-themed books, dating back to my first purchase “Diesels Western Style” by Keith Montague in 1974. On first browse, this is up there with the very best and well worth every penny. If it wasn’t for the fact that we have family round today, I wouldn’t be putting it down !”

    Many thanks to Neville for that resounding endorsement !

     

    Hardback, large format 273 x 215 mm (10.7″ x 8.5″), 176 pages, 230 images

     

    Here are the notes that have been provided by the publisher:

         “This book is based on the Diesel Hydraulic photographs taken by the late Stephen C Marshall from Devon and supplemented by some of his friends. While they are mostly of ‘Westerns’ other Hydraulics are also depicted. This was very much the Rail Blue period. It was Stephen’s wish to start from late 1969 in date order up to the final day of the ‘Westerns’ terminating with the Western Tribute Railtour February 1977.

         He also wished to include some preserved pictures as well and we have done this with what we hope are some more unusual preserved scenes. The majority of the pictures have not been published before. Stephen was well known as the former owner of Globe Videos and he produced a number of DVD on the Hydraulics but had not published many of his photographs.

         He was also well known as a keen follower of locomotive hauled trains and loved to travel the country. As he lived in Devon for many years there is a strong bias on pictures taken in his own County. Many of the locations such as his favourite Newton Abbot have changed beyond recognition in the 50 years or so that many of the pictures were taken.

         Along with the station changes the rolling stock and Infrastructure has also changed as the years have past. For those that followed the Hydraulics and the Railways of the Western Region should find much to interest them in this publication. Railway modellers should also find much to interest them from that period.”

     
    Well done to all involved in the creation of this new book !
     
     
     
    We also have another new title to add to our ONLINE STORE with the release of the THIRD volume of the ‘Railways of the North East 1975-1995‘ trilogy by Michael Rhodes. This very successful series has raised the awareness of the variety of workings in that region and highlighted the plethora of rolling stock types and classes of locomotive that were involved in day-to-day operations during that 20-year period. Well done Michael !

     

     

    We have added VOLUME 3 to our online bookstore along with the two new books that were released earlier in the month, and all of these books are in stock so PLACE YOUR ORDERS via our online store NOW ! Click here or on the images below to go to the relevant pages on our online store.

     

     

     

    DEPG NEWS: the next major event on the WSR will be the SPRING STEAM SPECTACULAR and the DEPG will be opening our yard and shed to the public for all four days of the event (Friday 1st through Monday 4th May). Although it is a steam gala, the sheer number of visitors makes it one of most important fund-raising events for the DEPG, so we will be spending some time and effort in preparing for this event during the coming weeks.

    One of the themes for fund-raising in our yard will also be for the WSRA’s BR Standard Class 4MT 4-6-0T 80064, a special cause in remembrance of our late colleague John Cooke, who played a major part in saving this loco and in arranging for it to be transferred into the care of the WSRA for future use on the WSR. Click here or on the image below to learn about the efforts of a WSRA member to fund raise for the restoration of this locomotive: 

     

     

    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

     

  • Weekly Roundup – 10-Apr-26

    Displaying a ‘JC’ headcode in remembrance of DEPG driver and volunteer John Cooke who passed away recently at the age of 78, Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) was at work on the 12:25 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead when pictured alongside Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019) at Williton on Saturday 4th April 2026. Photo by Elliott Freegard © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Diesel variety on the WSR last weekend  ….

    The ‘Belmond Britannic Explorer‘ visited the West Somerset Railway last Friday 3rd April 2026 and the lead loco, Class 66 66748 ‘St Michael’s Mount’ was pictured alongside our Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 at Minehead while preparing to run around the stock of this ‘luxury hotel on rails’. Photo by Peter Bell © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    The ‘Belmond Britannic Explorer‘ departed from the West Somerset Railway on the morning of Saturday 4th April 2026 with Class 66 66744 leading. The consist was pictured at Norton Fitwarren while returning to Network Rail metals. Photo by Lee Robbins © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    The ‘Railway 200 ‘Inspiration Train‘ was hosted by the WSR throughout last week and was collected from Minehead on Sunday 5th April 2026 by a pair of Class 66s and moved to Newquay to exhibit there. GBRf loco 66310 was alongside our Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 when pictured by Seb Welsh © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    The ‘Railway 200 ‘Inspiration Train‘ departed from the WSR on Sunday 5th April 2026 and was en route to Newquay when pictured passing through Williton with Class 66 66719 leading. Photo by Graham Perry © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    The WSR’s hybrid Class 115/117 2-car Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) was in use on Saturday 4th April 2026, covering a duty that had been booked for Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526. Unfortunately, operational issues caused the DMU to be substituted, even though the ‘14‘ was fully serviceable. Pictured at Blue Anchor by Elliott Freegard © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Last weekend was a feast for diesel fans, with no less than six diesel-powered machines at work on the WSR. The fun started on Friday 3rd April with Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) at Minehead, shunting the air-braked stock of the Railway 200 ‘Inspiration Train’ to clear the main platform for the arrival of the ‘Belmond Britannic Explorer‘ which was booked to visit Minehead that night, bringing two Class 66 locos onto the branch (66748 and 66744).

    Then, on Saturday, the ‘hybrid’ Class 115/117 DMU stood in on the booked Class 14 turn because of an operational issue relating to driver rostering (at this early point in the year, some drivers have not yet had a chance to renew their tickets). Also at work on Saturday, D6575 (33057) hauled the 12:25 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and 14:30 return service, as booked.

    On Sunday, two Class 66 locos arrived (66310 and 66719) at Minehead to collect the Railway 200 ‘Inspiration Train’ and take it to Newquay, which was the next port of call for this travelling exhibition train, thereby taking the tally of diesels to SIX – not bad for the first normal service weekend of the season !

     

    TOMORROW – Saturday 11th – Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) will be working the 12:25 departure from Bishops Lydeard but NOT the 14:30 return, which will be steam hauled. On Sunday 12th, Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 will be working the 12:25 departure from Bishops Lydeard AND the 14:30 return, so PLEASE COME ALONG AND RIDE BEHIND THESE DIESELS so that we can get more opportunities to use them. Thanks !

    Click here to go to the WSR Calendar page, then click on the date of interest.

     

    The WSR’s EVENTS and EXPERIENCES web page gives details of other 2026 events. Click here or on the graphic below to go to the WSR Calendar Page for details and dates.

     

    WSR 50 SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL – 4th to 7th June

    The WSR have announced two visitors from the Wensleydale Railway in the form of Class 47 47714 (D1955, 47511), wearing the striking ‘Rail Express Systems (RES)‘ livery and Class 37 37250 (D6950) wearing the ‘EWS‘ livery, both locos adding a splash of colour to the greens and blues of the event.

    Click here or on an image below to go to the WSR’s event page:

     

    DEPG locos of classes 08, 09, 14, 33 and 35 will also be in use and Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ will be open to visitors at Williton Yard, along with Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 and Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 (ROF 1).

    The DEPG depot at Williton will be open to the public and will be offering hot drinks and an expanded range of hot snacks from the ever-popular ‘Irie 7’ team, together with a seated viewing area, Rod’s Model Railways sales stand and the DEPG merchandise stand, plus cab visits to locos on shed, depot tours and some SPECIAL EXHIBITS …. DEFINITELY NOT TO BE MISSED !

    Click here to go to the WSR’s event page.

     

     

    Our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page is regularly updated to cover the planned diesel-hauled services for 2026, and we will be adding the loco allocations this weekend (we need to confirm the driver rosters first). The table already shows that there is a lot of diesel running planned for the WSR this year. Click here or on the image below to take a look:

     

    LOCO NEWS:

     

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – after the feeling of euphoria at the end of March, when the equalising beams and pedestals were re-installed in the ‘B’ bogie, this last week has returned to the more normal pattern of cleaning up, inspecting and painting the many parts that had been taken off the bogie last year. The three photos below show similar parts at different stages, but we are gradually getting through these pallets and the light is definitely visible at the end of the tunnel !

    Within a week or two, these parts will be going back on the bogie and we will be preparing for another yard shunt to swap the ‘B’ bogie with the ‘A’ bogie so that we can start the process all over again (groan!). Come along and help us, we could certainly use more hands and this kind of work is not complicated. Use our CONTACT FORM if you are able to volunteer on a Saturday or a Tuesday – or both !

    D1010 – the one remaining pallet load of unprocessed brake rigging parts from the ‘B’ bogie at Williton on Saturday 4th April 2026. These parts need cleaning, inspecting and re-painting. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    D1010 – this hefty piece of brake rigging is close to completion and will soon be ready for re-installation on the ‘B’ bogie. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 4th April 2026 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    D1010 – this pallet load of brake rigging parts are ready for re-installation on the ‘B’ bogie. Some secondary suspension parts are visible on the pallet behind. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 4th April 2026 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

     

    Class 08 08401 (D3516) – this loco is fully serviceable in air brake mode and can be used for shunting in the yard or elsewhere, subject to the restriction caused by the lack of vacuum brake equipment. The various piece parts and assemblies are being gathered and we hope to get this loco dual braked before the autumn.

     

    Class 09 D4107 (09019) – this loco underwent her annual Vehicle Inspection & Brake Test (VIBT) on Monday 30th March and will undergo some remedial tasks this weekend before being declared ready to return to service at Bishops Lydeard.

     

    Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is now indoors on No. 2 road and has had her roof removed for repairs to take place. One of the cylinder heads was found to be showing signs of valve guide wear, so was removed and has now been replaced by a reconditioned head – a task that is only possible with the engine room roof removed, because of the sheer size and weight of the cylinder heads. Several other maintenance tasks are being carried alongside the major work.

    D6566 (33048) – a refurbished cylinder head has now been fitted and the re-assembly work was well underway when pictured at Williton on Saturday 4th April 2026, with Ethan W in the foreground, and Ian R and Tom hidden from view. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    D6566 (33048) – the fibreglass engine room roof section has been cleaned up and is awaiting repair and a coat of sealant before being replaced on the loco. Pictured at Williton with DEPG Brake Van B952527 in the background on Saturday 4th April 2026 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is the ‘duty loco’ based at Bishops Lydeard and will be in use on Saturday 11th April 2026 on the 12:25 service from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead but NOT on the return service, because all of the return services will be steam hauled. The loco will return to Bishops Lydeard with an Empty Coaching Stock (ECS) train that cannot be used by the public (booked to depart from Minehead at 15:25 on Saturday).

    D6575 (33057) – this dual-braked loco was used to shunt the Railway 200 ‘Inspiration Train’ from the main platform to the bay platform at Minehead on Friday 3rd April 2026. Pictured (before the shunt) by Keith Fender © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is fully serviceable and is stabled at Minehead following her participation in the WSR’s 50th ANNIVERSARY EVENT that took place on 28/29 March. This loco will move back to Williton in the near future, but will first take advantage of the pit facilities at Minehead to have an underframe examination and to have her brake rigging adjusted to compensate for the wear in the brake blocks.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco will remain at the GCR for their DIESEL GALA in April before moving to her next vacationing spot at the Severn Valley Railway, and then to the GWSR in July before returning to the WSR in August.

    D7018 will participate at THREE diesel galas on other railways before returning to her home territory in August, in time to feature in the WSR’s DIESELS AT 65 event over August Bank Holiday weekend.

    Great Central Railway (GCR)

    24-26 April 2026

    Severn Valley Railway (SVR)

    14-17 May 2026

    Gloucestershire-Warwickshire

    24-26 July 2026

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – the team continues to work on the engine, with more parts being re-fitted and the next task being to check and confirm that the vave timing is correct before fitting the covers. Some pieces of engine-related equipment are also being overhauled, including the governor, which is a very important piece of equipment and is essential to the correct operation of the engine.

    D9518 – the Ardleigh Governor from the Paxman 6YJXL engine was pictured at Williton on Tuesday 31st March 2026 whilst undergoing refurbishment. Paxman’s engine controls subsidiary traded under the name of ‘Regulateurs Europe Ltd’. Nowadays, this business is owned by Heinzmann but still operates from Colchester. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is currently based at Bishops Lydeard as the station pilot, a duty that she will cover until relieved later this month by Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019).

    This loco will be in use on Sunday 12th April 2026 on the 12:25 service from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and the return service that leaves Minehead at 14:30.

     

    Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is based at Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway but has been ‘stopped’ because of an issue with her ‘triple pump’ – which is an electrical machine that is a combined water pump, oil pump and fuel pump, all driven from one big DC electric motor. The spare has now been reconditioned electrically but is waiting for a new set of bearings to be fitted before it can be sent to the NYMR for installation into 47077. Once repaired, the loco will then need to go out for tyre turning, which will be a convoy move over the main line from Grosmont with other NYMR diesels, at the end of April.

     

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is awaiting attention to her fuel system. Meanwhile, Class 08 shunter 08401 (D3516) is available at Williton for shunting duties.

     

    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 Saturdays and Tuesdays 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:

    Still feeling the cold in the evenings and mornings ? Go ahead and order a fleece jacket or sweatshirt via our ONLINE STORE, just click on this link or on the images below 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, or both in blue. Please let us know if you would like to order a combination that is not obvious on our online store. We intend to offer a Class 14 design in the coming weeks.

    The range of colours has 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

    These garments are really nice pieces of work, and the ability to personalise your choice is another definite advantage. Delivery is currently around ONE WEEK from receipt of order, so place you order now to take advantage of this short lead time.

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

     

     

    ON SHED – last week, we featured another photo from DAVID HINGSTON, featuring Class 31 D5847 (31313) at a location that was not known with certainty but was suspected to be either Crewe or London Liverpool Street. Sharing this photo resulted in some very quick responses from regular contributors Neale Long and Roger Geach, who reported the following:

    From Neale:

         “Very much enjoying David Hingston’s images. As regards this week, I think it is London Liverpool Street where those two ‘peds’ were expertly captured. I’ve been looking into the headcode carried by the front locomotive and after some searching I found reference to a freight from Whitemoor Yard to Ipswich containing a ‘K’ in it. So I’m going to stick my neck out and say that it is a Liverpool Street to Ipswich / Colchester / Harwich working The letter ‘K’ was used by the LMR  for the Stoke Division but Class 31s were not generally used by the LMR at that time. I think David’s fine image is of a Great Eastern working.”

    From Roger:

         “Re the 31 picture – that’s Liverpool Street. Class 31s were very very rare at Crewe and the North West in them days, they did not venture there until the 25s had gone in the 80s, then became common.”

    Roger also provided a photo of our Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) at London Liverpool Street in 1983, and the similarities in the surrounding architecture and track layout are clear to see:

    BR Class 31 D5847 (31313) was pictured at Liverpool Street Station heading the 1K20 service with a much cleaner sister loco behind. Thought to be some time in the mid-1960s. Photo by David Hingston © CC BY-NC 4.0 Class 33 ‘Crompton’ 33057 (D6575) was pictured departing from Liverpool Street Station after working in from Tonbridge with a special for Spalding on 7th May 1983. Class 08 shunter 08833 (D4001, 09101) was also present. Photo by Roger Geach © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Thank you very much to both contributors for providing their thoughts and additional images.

     

    This week, we have another photo from David Hingston, this time featuring a smart-looking BRCW Type 2 Class 27 D5409 (27116, 27210, 27064) which was delivered new to Cricklewood (North London) depot in August of 1962. The gasholders in the background and the Midland main line depot allocation suggest that is a view of the loco arriving at St Pancras Station with a Class 3 Empty Coaching Stock (ECS) working (headcode 3E12), probably from Cricklewood sidings. The loco looks very clean, which suggests that the date is in the early to mid-1960s, as this loco was moved to other work from 1968 onwards. The absence of a full yellow end also suggests that it is the mid-1960s.

     

    If you know where this photo was taken and what working was 3E12 then please respond via our CONTACT FORM and we can share your knowledge with our readers next week.

    Many thanks to David for sharing his photos with us all.

    A very smart-looking BRCW Type 2, known later as BR Class 27 D5409 (27116, 27210, 27064) on an Empty Coaching Stock working (if the 3E12 headcode is to be believed) and pictured arriving at what is though to be St Pancras Station, some time in the early to mid-1960s. Photo by David Hingston © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    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

    A few weeks back, we announced a NEW BOOK compiled by ROGER GEACH based on the photographs of the late STEPHEN MARSHALL entitled ‘The Demise of the Diesel Hydraulics’ and published by Transport Treasury and as expected, this new book is flying off the shelves so CLICK HERE to place your order NOW. This is a hardback book that is LARGER than A4 in size and has 176 pages with 230 images, so the price of £29.95 is well justified.

    Here’s some feedback from long-time DEPG member and supporter NEVILLE SLOPER:

         “Wow! What can I say ?

         I have a very extensive collection of hydraulic-themed books, dating back to my first purchase “Diesels Western Style” by Keith Montague in 1974. On first browse, this is up there with the very best and well worth every penny. If it wasn’t for the fact that we have family round today, I wouldn’t be putting it down !”

    Many thanks to Neville for that resounding approval !

     

    Hardback, large format 273 x 215 mm (10.7″ x 8.5″), 176 pages, 230 images

     

    Here are the notes that have been provided by the publisher:

         “This book is based on the Diesel Hydraulic photographs taken by the late Stephen C Marshall from Devon and supplemented by some of his friends. While they are mostly of ‘Westerns’ other Hydraulics are also depicted. This was very much the Rail Blue period. It was Stephen’s wish to start from late 1969 in date order up to the final day of the ‘Westerns’ terminating with the Western Tribute Railtour February 1977.

         He also wished to include some preserved pictures as well and we have done this with what we hope are some more unusual preserved scenes. The majority of the pictures have not been published before. Stephen was well known as the former owner of Globe Videos and he produced a number of DVD on the Hydraulics but had not published many of his photographs.

         He was also well known as a keen follower of locomotive hauled trains and loved to travel the country. As he lived in Devon for many years there is a strong bias on pictures taken in his own County. Many of the locations such as his favourite Newton Abbot have changed beyond recognition in the 50 years or so that many of the pictures were taken.

         Along with the station changes the rolling stock and Infrastructure has also changed as the years have past. For those that followed the Hydraulics and the Railways of the Western Region should find much to interest them in this publication. Railway modellers should also find much to interest them from that period.”

     
    Well done to all involved in the creation of this new book !
     
     
     
    We also have another new title to add to our ONLINE STORE with the release of the THIRD volume of the ‘Railways of the North East 1975-1995‘ trilogy by Michael Rhodes. This very successful series has raised the awareness of the variety of workings in that region and highlighted the plethora of rolling stock types and classes of locomotive that were involved in day-to-day operations during that 20-year period. Well done Michael !

     

    We have added VOLUME 3 to our online bookstore along with the two new books that were released earlier in the month, and all of these books are in stock so PLACE YOUR ORDERS via our online store NOW ! Click here or on the images below to go to the relevant pages on our online store.

     

     

     

    DEPG NEWS: the recently-restored Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) or ‘Cherry Picker’ as it is more typically known, was put to further good use at Williton last Sunday by Graham and Paul T, who set about the essential maintenance task of clearing out the gutters on the loco shed roof. Both volunteers have completed their MEWP safety training and were properly equipped for the job, which was completed safely and has saved us the hire cost that used to accompany such annual tasks. Another well done to the Williton Infrastructure Division (WID) !

    The DEPG’s recently-restored Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) – more commonly known as a ‘cherry picker’ – was used when clearing out the loco shed gutters at Williton on Sunday 5th April 2026. Photo by Paul Tucker © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    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

    Go to Join Us page

    Go to Welcome page

    Go to Home page

     

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