Diesel Running Days

Members of the WSR’s fleet of heritage diesel locomotives will operate passenger trains on several dates in 2003. The regular fleet will be enhanced by the return of the Class 14 0-6-0DH No D9526 after an absence of several years and, between July and September, by a ‘guest’ locomotive – ‘Hymek’ No D7076. The dates include, for the first time for four years, a full Diesel Gala on Friday & Saturday 8-9 August – featuring four ex-WR diesel hydraulics – whilst heritage diesels will also be in action at two other special events, the “Cross-Country Weekend” on 10-11 May and the “Grand Trains Extravaganza” on 25-26 October.

Programme

Dates	Theme/Title	Locomotive(s)	Timetable/Details
Sat-Sun 12-13 April	'Teddy Bear Launch'	33048 D9526	On dmu diagram – Blue timetable Special ‘Re-launch Train’
Sat-Sun 10-11 May	'CrossCountry Weekend'	D1010 33048	Special timetable
Sat-Sun 7-8 June	'Western Days'	D1010	On dmu diagram – Green timetable
Sat-Sun 12-13 July	'Hymek Re-union'	D7017 D7076	On dmu diagram – Green timetable One loco am, the other pm
Fri-Sat 8-9 August	'Swindon Heritage'	D9526 D1010 D7017 D7076	Diesel Gala Special timetable
Sat 23 August	'Hymek Visitor'	D7076	On dmu diagram – Green timetable
Sat 20 September	'Hymek Swansong	D7017 & D7076 (double-headed)	Special workings
Sat-Sun 10-11 October	'Hydraulic Autumn'	D1010 D7017	On dmu diagram – Blue timetable
Sat-Sun 25-26 October	'Grand Trains Extravaganza'	D9526 33048 D7523	Special timetable

Note:	1	BOLD type indicates major special events.
	2	All locomotives listed are subject to availability.

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 D1010 was built at Swindon in October 1962, withdrawn in February 1977 and originally rescued by Foster Yeoman.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, with small yellow front end panels
• 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 It was delivered in early 1962, withdrawn in 1975 and was the first locomotive to be purchased by the D&EPG, becoming the first main line diesel on the WSR.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. The locomotive will be returning to service after overhaul in 2003.
• 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.

And the ‘guest’ locomotive……

• D7076
  One of four preserved ex-British Railways Western Region ‘Hymek’ diesel hydraulics – and now based on the East Lancs Railway at Bury – No D7076 will be based on the WSR from mid-July to the end of September 2003. It will be repainted in later BR ‘all over’ blue livery at the ELR prior to its intended visit, and – in addition to the workings detailed above – is also expected to play a leading role in the Diesel & Electric Preservation Group’s 30th anniversary celebrations in 2003. D7076 was completely restored from almost derelict condition between 1983-87, and has visited the WSR briefly once before – for a Diesel Gala in May 1997.

Timetable

At the three special events – the CrossCountry Weekend, Diesel Gala and the ‘Grand Trains Extravaganza’ – the diesels will work a special timetable (there will also be some steam working at these events). Full details of these timetables will be published in separate leaflets promoting each event, and will appear on this website in due course. If you would like to receive a copy of these leaflets when they are published please e-mail us.

On all the above dates EXCEPT 10-11 May, 8-9 August & 25-26 October the rostered locomotive will work the diesel diagram in the standard timetable. For details of these standard timetables click here.

Fares

On all the above dates EXCEPT 10-11 May, 8-9 August & 25-26 October normal fares will apply. Day/Weekend Rover Tickets are available.

On 10-11 May, 8-9 August & 25-26 October ALL privilege ticket, free pass and voucher facilities will NOT apply. 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: 28 December 2002