Weekend Updates
19/06/2017 Monday - DFE
18/06/2017 - DFE Duties
17/06/2017 - Saturday - "B" Diag.
17/06/2017 - Refuelling for DFE tomorrow
And topping up engine coolant with the new pneumatic pump modification on D1062 - now that IS a good idea!
So, the SVR Diesel Gala is now over and normal service resumes, but what an event it was! Congratulations to the raffle winners, and thanks go out to all involved in making it such a success.
30th April 2017
1015 and 1062 were both in action in the yard a Kidderminster Diesel Depot today. 62 has successfully passed the "B" Exam and fitness to run, and operated on both engines....... Great work from all the team working on her.
8th & 9th April - Don't forget it's the SVR Open Doors weekend. We'll be inside the Diesel Shed at Kidderminster to receive you, alongside a resplendent D1062 sporting her new livery following repaint.
Do come along - we'll have the sales stand and WLA / Dapol D1013 + D1023, and D1062 models available (limited numbers).
04/02/17
Sterling work going into Ranger as both locos receive some tlc over the "dry" period.......
2/1/17
More work over the weekend. Liner replacement underway, with stage one, removal of the liner, successfully completed.30/12/16
New Year's Eve at Bridgnorth, and work carries on on D1013. Wiring frames, desk warning lights, and a general clean-up. Well done, team!
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This new book takes the reader on a photographic journey on the Cornish railway main line from Plymouth to Penzance as seen through the camera lens of the author and friends. All... the existing main stations en route are illustrated in colour, along with some of the major infrastructure, such as some of the splendid viaducts. The photographs date from the late 1960s through to the present, with the majority taken in the 1970s and 1980s. The huge variety of regular diesel motive power is shown together with a few steam hauled specials that have run in the county since 1985. Regular motive power from the 1970s, including the popular diesel hydraulic Westerns, are shown working both passenger and freight traffic. The regular diesel electrics are also illustrated as well as some rare visitors to the county.
This book should be of interest to anyone who likes the railways of Cornwall. It should also appeal to modellers who wish to study train consist and station views from the past, and local historians.
WLA AGM 2017
After a successful and very enjoyable trip to Steam in Swindon last year, it is back to normal this year. The Western Locomotive Association Annual General Meeting will be held at our usual venue over recent years of the Birmingham & Midland Institute on 11th November 2017. The meeting will start at 13:00. This will be our 43rd AGM. As a Company Limited by guarantee and a registered charity we are bound to holding an AGM every year and it is an important part of its governance where members can ensure the Association is being run properly. Indeed, it was at last years AGM where members voted for a blue 62. Members also vote in new Committee Members and the re-election of current Members. Non-members can come along and hear all about the running of the Association but of course will not be able to vote.
Speaking of voting in new Committee Members, this has been my first year as Secretary of the WLA after getting voted in myself at Steam last November, and i must admit i've really enjoyed getting involved. This year we have two exciting opportunities to become a Committee Member. We are actively seeking willing volunteers to take on the roles of either Sales Officer or Publicity Officer. For more details on the roles please see two articles below. From my own experience from my first year the Committee are a great bunch to work with, they have welcomed me and it really has been enjoyable. So please do throw your hat in the ring if you are interested by sending an email to our address [email protected]
Cheers
Ian Clayton
Fabric Mousemat 22 x 18cm with 5mm Black Rubber Base.
Available in the On Line Store.
£2.95 plus £1.00 p&p
Upcoming Events
Peep behind the scenes weekend at SVR 15/07/2017
We'll have the sales stand at Kidderminster, and D1062 will be on display and undergoing maintenance on the turntable.
See you there!
We'll have the sales stand at Kidderminster, and D1062 will be on display and undergoing maintenance on the turntable.
See you there!
ALSO:-
DIESEL GALA
Thanks to the Huddersfield Railway Modellers with their support in bringing "Bridge Norton" to the Diesel Gala and raising funds with a different kind of "driver experience" affording no fewer than five diesel hydraulic types!
NOTE : We can now take payment by credit/debit card on sales items at the Sales Stand at events!
Just a quick note about Gift-Aid!
We're in the process of recovering the Gift-Aid monies from HMRC at present, and the exercise has served to remind us of the importance of ensuring your Gift Aid declarations are completed fully on the Membership/Donation Forms whether online or paper copies. Incomplete forms may prevent us recovering hundreds of pounds ....... precious funds when our running costs are only going one way. Please remember to fully complete your form, and send it through where Gift Aid can be claimed. It matters! Many thanks for your support.
WLA.
D1062 Running Days for 2017
The timetabled running and Driver Experience days for D1062 are now confirmed (subject to availability) as below and are available as a download .pdf here.
NEW in the OnLine Store.
Western Key Racks
Made from mild steel & measuring just under 300mm with 6 key hooks. £25.00 including postage in the U.K.
Dapol OO Special Edition D1013
Get your Limited Edition OO Gauge model of D1013. Just 159.99 - available from the Online Store!
PLEASE NOTE - We're SOLD OUT of the 25 Limited Edition Red-backed plate models. HOWEVER, if you DO wish to purchase a red-plate version of D1013 then we can provide this, sadly no longer packaged as the special Limited Edition model - but still the same high quality model and finish!
And don't forget we still have Limited Edition black-backed plate models available!
PLEASE NOTE - We're SOLD OUT of the 25 Limited Edition Red-backed plate models. HOWEVER, if you DO wish to purchase a red-plate version of D1013 then we can provide this, sadly no longer packaged as the special Limited Edition model - but still the same high quality model and finish!
And don't forget we still have Limited Edition black-backed plate models available!
Don't forget renewals run from 1st January to 31st December and you can now renew your membership online here! So why not join the growing number of members taking advantage of this simple online facility... you know it makes sense!
It's Renewal Season!
Of course, you can always renew using mail or e-mail, and your next edition of WESTERN COURIER magazine will have your membership application form enclosed should you prefer.
D1054 - Courtesy of Chris Nuthall "down under" - lovely shot!
Awaiting dates for the 2017 Driver Footplate Experiences with D1062.
Why we're here........
The “Westerns” were always a little special, ever since their inception in 1961, and were the final development of the Western Region diesels using hydraulic transmission. Other regions based their designs on electric transmissions utilising large medium-speed diesel engines. The “Westerns” married superb bodywork styling and German-designed high-speed Maybach engines and Voith transmissions to produce a locomotive that was extremely powerful and considerably lighter than an equivalent diesel-electric.
A decision to rationalise the diesel locomotive types on British Rail marked the beginning of the end for the diesel-hydraulics. The “Westerns” were the last survivors and struggled on magnificently despite their neglected state until the final locomotives were withdrawn in February 1977.
With their impressive design, awesome engine sound and cast name and number plates, the “Westerns” had many marks of distinction. All 74 “Westerns” were named, proud names such as “Western Glory”, “Western Thunderer” and “Western Crusader”, and these endeared them to enthusiasts who saw them as the last sign of the spirit and traditions of the Great Western Railway.
The demise of the mighty “Westerns” evoked a fanatical following, the like of which had not been seen since the end of steam traction, and this led to the early efforts of the W.L.A. to preserve an example of the class. The results of these efforts, “Western Courier” and “Western Ranger”, can be seen on the Severn Valley Railway today.
