Western Courier back in service on the SVR following repairs

FOLLOWING AN absence of almost two years, the Western Locomotive Association’s (WLA) D1062 Western Courier returned to traffic on July 11. Visitors to the Severn Valley Railway were treated to the sight of two Westerns in service, with the Diesel Traction Group’s D1015 Western Champion also in use during the day. D1062 was originally stopped following reports that its B end had tilted. It was found that the pivot on the driver’s side equalising beam had worn to a point where the bush had almost disintegrated, thus taking the centre spring out of alignment and pulling over the axle box.

The beam was successfully removed and replaced in March 2020. At the same time, one cardan shaft was removed and sent away for rectification.

After a pause due to the initial coronavirus lockdowns, work on repairing

D1062 resumed in June last year, with work focussing on refitting the modified cardan shaft. This was followed by a loaded test run on October 11, 2020, however, a straight air brake fault had developed at the A end of the locomotive.

Plans were devised to replace the pipework at both ends and install new nose end air receivers. As part of the pipework upgrades, the KR-1 straight air brake relay valve was relocated to a more accessible location in the cab. A decision was also made to replace the A end Dynostarter, due to a vibration, with a refurbished Dynostarter, the process for its replacement being far from a simple task. On June 12, both engines were started and performed faultlessly, although a few small oil leaks were identified and addressed. After exams and a few final jobs, D1062 completed test running on July 10, before being returned to service on the SVR the following day.

The WLA also owns D1013 Western Ranger on the SVR, but this locomotive has now been out of service undergoing overhaul for several years.

Out of the seven preserved Class 52s, D1015 and D1062 are now serviceable following repairs, with four undergoing extensive overhauls and D1023 Western Fusilier on static display at the Railway Museum in York.

More information on the WLA and its locomotives can be found by visiting the website www.westernlocomotives.co.uk

Owner Key: BHG – Bury Hydraulic Group, DEPG – Diesel & Electric Locomotive Group, DTG – Diesel Traction Group, NRM – National Railway Museum, WLA – Western Locomotive Association Location Key: ELR – East Lancashire Railway, MRB – Midland Railway Butterley, RMY – Railway Museum York, SVR – Severn Valley Railway, WSR – West Somerset Railway