Diesel Running Days

Members of the WSR’s fleet of heritage diesel locomotives will operate passenger trains on several dates in 2002. A chance not to be missed...!

Programme

The Locomotives

• D1010 Western Campaigner
  One of the popular ‘Western’ diesel hydraulics - later Class 52 - that were introduced by British Railways Western Region in 1961. A total of 74 were built, and several have now been preserved. D1010 was built at Swindon in October 1962, withdrawn in February 1977 and originally rescued by Foster Yeoman. Has been based on the WSR since 1991. Western Campaigner is resplendent in BR maroon livery.
• D7017
  No D7017 is one of two ‘Hymek’ diesels based on the WSR - 101 of which were built by British Railways Western Region from 1961-64. It was delivered in early 1962, withdrawn in 1975 and was the first locomotive to be purchased by the D&EPG, becoming the first main line diesel on the WSR. Currently bearing early BR blue livery, D7017 has been a regular performer on the line for over 25 years.
• D9526
  The Class 14 diesels (Nos D9500-55) were the last new class of locomotives to be built at Swindon Works, and designed primarily for working pick-up freight trains and for shunting. D9526 was built in 1964 and withdrawn just five years later, before seeing industrial use at the cement works at Westbury. Purchased for preservation on the WSR, the locomotive is expected to return to active service after overhaul at Williton in 2002.
• D7523
  The Sulzer Type 2 - later Class 25 - diesels were built between 1958 and 1967, and operated on all regions of the former British Railways network. After regular use on a variety of duties, sometimes working in pairs, the whole fleet had been withdrawn by 1987. D7523 was built by BR at Derby in 1965. It arrived on the WSR in 1996 and has been a regular performer on the line since then, carrying the well-liked BR two-tone green livery.
• D6566 (33048)
  No D6566 is a member of the once 96-strong class of locomotive - originally called Sulzer Type 3’s, later Class 33’s, and nicknamed ‘Cromptons’ - built for use on BR Southern Region. No 33048, as it became, was withdrawn in 1995, and purchased for preservation and moved to the WSR in May 1997. Another regular performer on the WSR.
• D2133 & 03119
  These small shunting locomotives were once part of a numerous fleet that were once a regular sight on British Rail. A large number have been preserved or are still in industrial use. D2133 was supplied new to Taunton shed and, after withdrawal by BR, was based at Courtaulds Film Cellophane at Bridgwater from 1969-94. The locomotive was kindly donated to the WSR and is regularly deployed as station pilot at Minehead, resplendent in early BR green. No 03119 was built at Swindon in 1959 and is unique in having a -cut-down cab’ which allowed it to work on the Bury Port & Gwyndreath Valley line near Swansea. Arrived on the WSR in 1996 and regularly deployed as ‘yard pilot’ at Williton.
• DH16
  The latest member of the D&EPG fleet, DH16 is a Sentinel 230hp diesel hydraulic industrial shunter. It arrived on the WSR in 2001, and has been restored to its former glory as Manchester Ship Canal No DH16, its original owner and number.

All the above locomotives except D2133 are under the care of the Diesel & Electric Preservation Group at Williton. D2133 is maintained by the West Somerset Railway plc at Minehead.

Timetable

On all the above dates EXCEPT 11-12 May & 5-6 October the rostered locomotive will work the diesel diagram in the standard timetable. For details of these standard timetables click here. On 11-12 May ("Anything Goes" Weekend) and 5-6 October (1960s Weekend) a special timetable will be in operation, with trains being worked by heritage diesel and steam locomotives (full details of these events will appear on this website in due course).

Fares

On all the above dates EXCEPT 11-12 May & 5-6 October normal fares will apply. Day/Weekend Rover Tickets are available.

On 11-12 May & 5-6 October ALL privilege ticket, free pass and voucher facilities will NOTapply. Ordinary fares will apply to all passengers. Discounts are available on Rover Tickets purchased IN ADVANCE.

Catering

Buffet and bar facilities - including real ale - will be available on ALL train services worked by the heritage diesels, serving a range of hot and cold food, tea & coffee and a range of other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Updated: 20 June 2002