Weekend Updates
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.
More good work on '13 this last weekend 10/11/16.
And D1013 cooler groups are returning from the engineering shops for re-uniting with the loco.... serious progress!
SWINDON '16 Update!
12th November
WHY NOT BECOME A MEMBER FOR JUST £10 - OR GET YOUR SENIOR/ JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP FOR A FIVER! HALF YEAR MEMBERSHIP SUBS TO 31/12 ARE HALF PRICE - AVAILABLE IN THE ONLINE STORE.
D1013 Cooler Groups in the paintshop!
August - Olympic First Half
Picture: David Bissett
Picture: Robert Clarke
28/07/2016 The Southampton Diner?
23/07/2016
Whilst the OBBO Tours were taking place on the tracks (see below), more great work was being done by the team this weekend with a refurbished pre-heater going back into D1013
Above picture: Ian Allison
Headboards for the tours courtesy of Steve "Coop" Cooper and Jack Walker - brilliant job, mates!
170716 - Today's DFE - Lovely!
As the wiring is now well advanced, thoughts are changing to the various knobs, buttons, switches and bezels on D1013. Here's some examples of the progress being made - time, commitment and pictures courtesy of Roger Fry
D1062 cools down following another successful week's running. Well done to all involved. 24/06/16. DS.
WEEKEND UPDATE - DFE's 12 & 13 June
The first Western hauled Driver Experience courses were run this last weekend with D1062 putting on quite a show over the Sunday and Monday. Pictures follow.
MIDWEEK UPDATE 7th June 2016 -
A Message from our Chairman :-
D1062
stands quietly cooling down following it Top and Tail test run with D1015. As
planned Courier lead from Highley to Bridgnorth with a combination of one and
two engines powering. The success of this test run is the culmination of winter
maintenance and at the same time work is progressing apace with D1013. Everyone
involved with the locomotives should be very proud of their achievements.
D1062 is now available for traffic and booked to operate the Driver Footplate
Experiences on Sunday 12th and Monday 13th June. I understand that their are
places available for the Driver Footplate Experience on Monday 13th June on the
Morning Session. Please contact the Severn Valley Railway for further
information.
D1062's first booked passenger services are between Monday 20th and Friday 24th
June at the Seven Valley Railway.
Many Thanks once again to all our supporters.
5th June 2016
Following
on from D1062's "B" End Engine Start on Saturday and the completion
of the annual FTR. D1062 will carry out a Test Run on Tuesday 7th June in Top
and Tail mode Bridgnorth (13:43) to Highley and return (14:26) with D1015.
D1015 should lead onwards and D1062 lead on the return, all subject to
availability and operational needs on the day.
D1062 is then booked on Driver Footplate Experience on Sunday 12th and Monday
13th June (NOTE SPACES AVAILABLE ON MONDAY!).
D1062's first full passenger service is the Diesel Turn on the "A"
Timetable from Monday 20th to Friday 24th June at the Seven Valley Railway. All
events subject to availability.
SVR Diesel Gala Success
Well, congratulations must go to the SVR and the Diesel Groups for the tremendous work and effort which went into making the 2016 Gala such a success. Even the mixed weather on the final day couldn't dampen spirits and produced some dramatic lighting for the hoards of enthusiasts and photographers along the line.
The Diesel Shed opening was a highlight of the weekend, supported by hundreds visitors on the Saturday.
Pictures of the event are available here.
And whilst the fun went on out on the tracks, the work continued on D1013 with yet more wiring terminal connections, dynastarter fitting, and refurbishment of oil pump.....
2nd & 7th May 2016
Getting the timing just right - D1062's
"A" End gets the Walker treatment.
The main oil pump gets a thorough maintenance clean and testing before return to D1013.
Looking good!
Above right: The Serck tank is readied for pressure testing........
And working hard at solving the problems of life wi' a couple o' Thousands to look after!
Oh yes, and there was another little adventure taking place on 7th, of course.......
A super day out for those fortunate enough to be aboard - Pathfinder's WESTERN CHALLENGER tour to Plymouth and Okehampton. Very nice display from the Mule, flying as D1010 and D1058.
Above: Pictures courtesy of Jeremy Kirk.
Above: Pictures by Ian Allcroft
30th APRIL 2016
WORKING MEMBERS MEETING
The two main areas for discussion were the lifting of D1062, and the progress and next steps for D1013's planned return.
Due to the steel plates found to have been welded onto the lifting jack's anvils (see picture) at some stage over the past few years, there would likely be further delay to the intended lift of D1062 as these plates need to be removed, and the jacks subsequently certified for use - all eating into the planned maintenance schedule. As a consequence of this, the decision was taken to postpone the maintenance repairs to the equalising beams on the bogies until after the 2016 running season concludes - effectively moving the planned lift to Oct/Nov 2016.
10th April 2016 - The Diesel Shed Move
**NEW VIDEO** added of the move - see Gallery for large screen version.
The day's crew
All set for the off from Bridgnorth
Arrival and shut-down on Road 3 at Kidderminster TMD
.........repose
Amongst friends......
The lifting jacks and equipment in preparation for the lift in a couple of weeks or so.
8th April 2016
D1062's A End started up today after the de-winterising, and we're all systems go for the LE move on Sunday - Due off Bridgnorth at 11.40 am.
Drive shaft now positioned and "torqued-up" in D1013.
More preparation work on the equalising beams, and rockers.
Silver-soldering of the lubrication tubes.
Jeff sorts out new flexible conduits for the head-code lights.
New dynostarter buzz-bar assembly, beautifully engineered in Tufnol and milled brass by Derek Payne.
For more pictures of the day's work, click the Galleries page.
6th April 2016
More prep work carried out on D1062 today including preheating "A" Engine for the first time this year, checking oils and signs of any leaks once warmed through. None were found. All being well the engine will be starting on Friday or Saturday and a move has been pencilled in to move it to Kidderminster on Sunday in readiness for the lift.
27th March 2016
Returning the water pipes......
25th & 26th March 2016
More great work on D1062 as the de-winterising commences in preparation for her move to Kidderminster shortly.
Batteries - before and after.....
Air filters open for cleaning.....
D1013 Progress
Jeff tackles the terminals through the head-code doors (above), and the last of the wiring for D1013 (below). Getting close now.
Russ gets to grips with compressor brushes - not the easiest of access!
20th March 2016
Work continues on D1013 whilst preparations for D1062's forthcoming move to Kidderminster for the lift are ongoing. An inspection of the jacks will take place on Monday.
6th March 2016
Busy weekend with lots of good work on many fronts. Pics courtesy of Lyn's work on the WLA Facebook page follow shortly.
New shaft..... please remember the Appeal!
COMMITTEE MEETING 27/02/16
The latest Committee Meeting took place on 27th February in Bristol.
18th February 2016
More midweek cooler group progress for D1013.... coming along!
6/7 February 2016
The jacks have arrived in the shed and await positioning for D1062's arrival next month.
D1062 was moved over the inspection pit, and in atrocious conditions the team worked to clean down the underside and bogies in preparation for the move to the pristine Diesel Shed, and her date with the lifting jacks.
Air receivers refitted under A and B Ends
Andy Killick gets to grips with the grime..... and still manages a smile.
Bogie and stretchers cleaning up nicely.
View over the transmission block through the space vacated by the cooler groups under repair, and into the cab......
Lovely tidy wiring - great job! Still plenty to do........
Bell returned, wired and working!
Refurbished solenoids for the directional controllers prepared for return to D1013.
Russ has refitted the Serck tanks - in situ here shown in gloss black.
With the work ongoing on the re-wiring of '13, there is also good news to report with the work now underway on the cooler groups.......
Pictures below from Ian Jackson
Working members at it 24/7............(!)
1/10/76 at NA. Courtesy of Steve Speck. Lovely.
09/01/16 - Today's working party tackled the leak found in the heat exchanger which necessitated it's removal from B End of D1062 ........
Also pleased to report that a number of the smaller air receivers were successfully returned into D1062 thanks to the committed working members braving the cold and wet conditions.
Meanwhile, work continued on the spaghetti that currently is D1013.....
And more....... hours of happy fun to come terminating that lot......... wonder if that nice Mr D1041 man has any spare time on his hands? Are you there Matt?Just joking! Anything you can do......we can do..... well..... hopefully as well as!
Russ gets to grips with things again....
And on Sunday, the second water dump valve from '62 was refurbished and made ready for refitting. We're looking at alternatives to these "not very efficient" valves, but these refurbished units will be refitted if no viable alternative is found.
23/9/76 at Reading. D1048 on approach.
11/12/15 - Great to hear that Lyn's efforts to secure a nameplate from Tram 16, the last of the Midland Metro original trams to be decommissioned back in September, have been successful.
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! If you wish to make a payment by credit/debit card then please contact Ian Allcroft, Editor on 07772 457682 or
e-mail on [email protected]
e-mail on [email protected]
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.
D1062 - CHANGE OF LIVERY ANNOUNCEMENT
08/03/17
08/03/17
Following a vote for the next livery for D1062 WESTERN COURIER the WLA are delighted to confirm that BR Rail Blue with Full Yellow Ends has been chosen. Initial bodywork has already started in preparation for the re-paint which it is hoped will be completed in time for the Severn Valley Railway Diesel Gala in May.
'62 was last seen in blue when originally purchased by the WLA back in 1976. She was repainted into maroon with small yellow panels at Swindon works before her first preservation runs at the Paignton and Dartmouth Railway in 1977, then moving onto the Severn Valley Railway in 1978 where she has remained in variations of maroon livery since.
This latest repaint should see her released into traffic in 2017 reflecting her 1973 Laira repaint in Blue. Look out for further updates in the coming weeks.
There will also be a further announcement confirming the first date(s) on which D1062 will move for the first time in Blue in preservation!
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!
After demonstrating the patience of Job, David Carson finally received his O Gauge model of D1048 in time for Xmas.... he seemed very pleased! We're very grateful for the support given by David in supporting the Association with his purchase. Lady, Campaigner, and Centurion have now made it out of the workshops, and the "other" pairing of D1013 and D1023 are underway for the anniversary year. I wish you all a wonderful Xmas, and all the very best for a Wizzo 2017.
Ian A (Ed.)
Upcoming Events
Western Courier Magazine - release date 28/11/16
Also available from the on-line store priced at £2.75 inc p&p.
The WESTERN GLORY Tour
- CANCELLED
- CANCELLED
Photo courtesy of Roger Geach
Unfortunately, the 25th February 2017 anniversary celebration trip is postponed due to an engine failure on D1015
Whilst the DTG will seek to re-schedule the trip to Feb 2018, there is a major fund raising exercise now underway to re-engine D1015 in 2017. We understand that she is likely to fulfill her running commitments on the SVR with single engine operations until such time as the work to re-engine '15 commences.
10th April 2016 - OUT NOW! [SOLD OUT]
2016 Running Dates
D1062's scheduled running dates are now out and available HERE
D1062 Move to Kidderminster for Winter Appeal Work
First locos enter the new maintenance shed at Kidderminster. What a great sight they make!
2016 Diesel Roster - SVR
Locomotives Current Status:-
D1062 - Working 2016 season before scheduled lift to investigate and effect repairs to No.8 axle-box alignment and equalising beams.
Above picture shows D1062 heading undercover on 17th October 2015.
2015 Gala - And what an Event It Was!
A comprehensive report on the success of the 2015 Gala with extensive photo collection will follow in the next edition of Western Courier magazine. Click the link for a quick preview.
SVR Timetable for 2016 Released
Available for download here.
Dapol OO Gauge "WESTERN"
Our very own D1013 WESTERN RANGER depicted by the excellent Dapol model. Pre-orders being taken here.
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.
WORKING MEMBER WEEKEND UPDATE GALLERY
08/11/15 - Remembrance Sunday -Bridgnorth
A fitting service took place on Platform 1 at 11.
Sunday proved another very good day with progress on several fronts. Firstly '62 needed a move over the inspection pit. Here she is on her way......
Over the pit, the inspection required the removal of the lower cover plate to expose the labyrinth and bearings ready to take the grease sample for analysis.
With cover plate removed, the grease sample was taken, and a visual inspection revealed no further deterioration in the state of the inner labyrinth......
Our new chairman even gets his hands dirty!
For much more on the day's work, see the Remembrance Sunday 2015 photo gallery.
07/11/15 - 2015 WLA - AGM
7th November 2015
Midland Institute, Margaret Street, Birmingham
An enjoyable and eventful AGM was successfully negotiated earlier today. The day will be memorable with the confirmed appointment of new Chairman, Darren Shelmerdine, but also marked the end of an era with previous Chairman, Roger Smith (11 years), and long standing Editor and Publications Officer Steve Draper (26 years) both handing over their batons following long and successful periods in office with the Association. We extend our thanks to both for the sterling service to the cause, and votes of thanks were appropriately recorded. For Steve, his final Western Courier magazine proved to be his 74th - one for each member of the class, and a most appropriate number as many will agree.
We also extend a warm welcome to Darren who has since commented.....
"I joined the group back in May 1992. When I asked for a Membership Form as I was interested in joining the reply was that there were none left (it was a Gala and had ran out), but I could have one the following week if I attended Bridgnorth with a set of overalls. So the following week I did and been involved as a Working Member ever since.
I feel very privileged to have been elected as the association is one of oldest and most successful Diesel Locomotive Preservation Groups in country."
Well said Darren.
Details of the Officer's reports will follow in the Winter edition of your Western Courier Magazine, along with some exciting news around anniversary celebrations in 2016! Watch this space - more details shortly.
Above - the Sales table in preparation for the AGM.
01/11/15 Roger Fry continued his sterling work on the spare pre-heater control panel. Great to have a standby all ready to go.
Not great news on the injectors front as we managed to test six of the injectors removed by Paul and Jack yesterday, but four fails -
No. 20525 - Seal leak score "8" poor
No. 48461 - Seal leak score "5" borderline fail
No. 36911 - Nozzle leak "7" poor
No. 48616 - Nozzle leak "5" borderline fail
08/11/15 - There will be working parties at Bridgnorth on Sunday 8th November when the pit inspection and grease samples will be taken from D1062. Work will also continue on D1013 and on the injector testing from '62's B End.
30/10/15 Kidderminster Diesel Depot
Take a look at the New Diesel Depot - fantastic progress is being made.
Picture credit - Jonathan Dunster.
28/10/15
Appeal to working members for assistance this weekend. It's the grease check under '62..... great chance to get oily (again!) - Contact Pete Sandham.
24 & 25/10/2015
The bogie project received further attention with a trial run removal of a equalising beam. All seems to have gone well, and the beam is set to be refurbished and new bearings fitted ready for a safe return.
18/10/12 - So Saturday's working party did a great job of preparing '62 for her winter hibernation, albeit that it will be short lived this year as there's no time to sleep! We've got to crack on with the extensive schedule of work..... starting with the air tanks...... Hello? What's this - they're already out! Saturday's shift managed to remove them all, and here are some (the big ones) lined up for removal on the end couplings and then ready for the testing over the coming weeks. Very well done to all involved. Believe it or not, there are some 14 tanks involved, of various sizes, as the Swindon design team seemed to squeeze a tank into every available space!
And a few more......
Then our thoughts turned to the missing bolts required to fix the flywheel to the spare engine. That meant a trip to the rear containers and, after removing a particularly large obstructing vehicle, we discovered that....... our electricity supply to the containers has been severed! (And no, it wasn't that we hadn't put the fuse in, Jack!). Sorry to report, we've been ex-electricitified. A complaint has been lodged in the strongest terms, and normal service will be restored.... don't hold your breath!
17/10/15 - safely removed and on the bench.
The Sunday shift faced an uphill struggle from the start, needing to replace a 10m length of leaking air-hose from the main reservoir by the boiler-shop. That done, it was more grief as we discovered that the anti-freeze reserve was at an all time low.... An emergency trip to the Tesco's garage (Ed. Oi! Watch that advertising!) produced a miserly 4 litres which were added to the meager reserves. However, with his new magical dipstick thingy measuring whatsit in hand, Mr Jackson declared we had achieved a critical anti-freeze fluid density, with just enough to do both engines. After nearly right royally screwing things up by putting anti-freeze into the "pink" nipple (It's the blue one you idiot!), the remainder of the exercise passed off without further incident.
10/10/15 - Joint Committee and Working Members Meeting held at Kidderminster.
10/10/15 - Focus for the working members over the next two weekends will be D1062 B End pre-heater, pit inspection, oil and grease sampling and inspection, and preliminary work for air systems pressure checks alongside D1013's which are being prepared for testing, certification and return to the loco.
09/10/15 - Following on from the very successful 2015 Gala, we won't have to wait quite so long before we get the opportunity to enjoy SVR diesel thrash once again as the event is being moved forwards to May 2015.
A Western does make it into Cornwall - The Mazey Day 2013 was hauled by D9009 in place of D1015, so we needed to be sure of getting at least one Wizzo to Penzance that day!
Above: The cursed four injectors - Halloween stuck late! Unfortunately, these will all need a strip down and rebuild for return to D1062. And still another 6 to test next Sunday.....
11/12/15 - Even more good news as the hydraulic pressure testing on all of the Air Receivers from D1062 was successfully undertaken today at Bridgnorth. Photographs of the day's events are available here.
21 & 22/11/15 With the injector test rig pump and filter still on order it'll be focus on the spare engine. Carefully removing the seals and aged gaskets on the inspection cover plates on the spare engine, and some preserving of
spares.......Pictures have arrived! Click the link!
Darren gets to grips with one of the two relief valves... shhhh don't tell him we might be replacing them.
14 & 15/11/15 Work continued this weekend with the removal of two air relief valves from underneath D1062 to be cleaned and replaced. Paul Walker gets his hands dirty with these as he has no injectors ready - Sorry Paul!
News also reaches us that the air receivers from D1062 have passed their visual examinations. The hydraulic tests will follow in early course, and decisions will be taken on internal painting of these items very shortly.
Also, a big BIG thank you to those of you who have supported the on-line Appeal with donations. I'm working on some charts to publish progress towards our goals which will be linked to the Appeals page shortly. Every penny helps us take a step forward, so please help the Winter Appeal if you feel you can. (Ed.)
09/11/15 More good news! We have been able to locate a supplier of the original pre-heater fuel pumps used in the Westerns, and (amazingly!)
they are still in production! Could we please draw your attention to the Winter Maintenance Appeal, and in particular the section on fuel pumps. A diagram of the pump is available here. If you could you please support us with a small (or
larger!) donation towards purchase of these vital items, then please contact us, or use the online facility. Every little helps us towards our goals.
