MOLLY THE MOP APPEAL........... click here ..just £1.00
Emergency Shafts Appeal
The WLA are now urgently seeking funds to secure replacement shafts. If you are able to donate please click here. And please remember to Gift Aid! - Just click the Gift-Aid icon at the bottom of any page of this website and register your details.... and we'll do the rest!

BRACE YOURSELVES...................
It's coming back.................
No...not one, but TWO!..........
Are you ready for the return of THE best days out....... EVER!
Watch this space! Be ready! You won't get a second chance!
Isn't it obvious!
It's coming back.................
No...not one, but TWO!..........
Are you ready for the return of THE best days out....... EVER!
Watch this space! Be ready! You won't get a second chance!
Isn't it obvious!

RANGER 04/02/18 The Marine engine test fit The "old" engine for refurb.
Upcoming Events
Model railways exhibitions and behind the scenes tours!
See, Hear And Drive Hydraulics (and others!) on our very own "Bridge Norton" O Gauge layout in the Kidderminster Diesel Depot.
IT'S RENEWAL SEASON! Forget the glorious twelfth.... that's gone! NOW it's that time to dig deep and ensure your renewal is safely with us...... BEWARE..... Winter is coming!
Membership Forms will be distributed with the next Edition of your Western Courier Magazine, due out very soon. But why not beat the rush and re-joice and rejoin ONLINE NOW through the online store, or use the links at the bottom of the page! Don't waste a second! Rejoice today!
<<<<<CALLING ALL MEMBERS>>>><<<<CALLING ALL MEMBERS>>>>>



Fabric Mousemat 22 x 18cm with 5mm Black Rubber Base.
Available in the On Line Store.
£2.95 plus £1.00 p&p


ALSO:-

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.

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.
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!
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.
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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.

D1054 - Courtesy of Chris Nuthall "down under" - lovely shot!
Awaiting dates for the 2018 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.


ABOVE: D1009 WESTERN INVADER takes a breather at Reading with the Burngullow-Sittinbourne china clay slurries (the "Clay-freighter" air-braked stock) bound for the Bowater paper plant on 23rd August 1976.

At Reading again is D1054 WESTERN GOVERNOR believed to be returning to Laira for attention on one engine only 23rd October 1976. If anyone has any information on D1054's workings around this date then please contact the Editor at info@westernlocomotives.co.uk