DEPG seeks to boost its operational loco fleet

The West Somerset Railway has seen much use of diesel power this season, ensuring the Diesel & Electric Preservation Group has been kept busy with operations and maintenance.

BASED at Williton on the West Somerset Railway, the Diesel & Electric Preservation Group (DEPG) has had a long-standing agreement with the West Somerset Railway (WSR) to be the provider of diesel locos on the railway’s main line. The DEPG’s fleet includes its own hydraulic locos and a pair of privately-owned Class 33 dieselelectrics in its care. With increased requirements by the WSR, the DEPG considers a further Type 2 or Type 3 loco would be beneficial in maintaining its obligations. A suitable, operational loco is being sought for next season and individual owners or groups are welcome to make contact if they are considering a move from elsewhere and gaining the opportunity to run on ‘England’s longest heritage railway’. From an operational point of view, another Birmingham Sulzer Type 3 Class 33 would be ideal, but in the interests of variety of motive power, a Type 2 Class 26 or 27 would also be a good choice. A BR Sulzer of Classes 24 or 25 would fit the requirement, or even an English Electric Type 3 Class 37 would be welcomed by many. Anyone seriously interested in joining the ‘WSR family’ should contact the DEPG at Williton.

Loco shortage

There are several reasons why the present DEPG fleet is being over-stretched – including due to locos out on hire to other railways, which is bringing in much-needed revenue; or which are under long-term overhaul or maintenance. At the time of writing, the only loco available for all duties including works trains and forthcoming festive trains is ‘Crompton’ No. D6575 (33057). Regular timetabled running using diesels ended on October 22 and at that time the mileages run during the season were: Class 33s Nos. D6566 – 1,056; D6575 – 1,935, Class 35s Nos. D7017 – 63 and D7018 – 1,070; a total of 4,124 miles.

PETER NICHOLSON Seen on the return working from Norton Fitzwarren to Minehead approaching Williton on October 29, is DEPG’s Class 33 No. D6575 on the last revenue-earning duty of the season. This was a diesel driver experience course, the first for three years, fulfilling bookings taken in 2019. This was also the first diesel-worked heritage goods train run since then and included several wagons restored by the WSR wagon group in the interim.