-

Welcome to the 
WESTERN LOCOMOTIVE ASSOCIATION

Owners and operators of 2 x CLASS 52 DIESEL HYDRAULIC LOCOMOTIVES on the 
Severn Valley Railway....... and at large.

  • DON'T FORGET, IT'S RENEWALS SEASON! PLEASE REMEMBER TO RENEW EITHER USING THE ONLINE FACILITY, OR BY WRITING TO PAUL TUCKER, MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY.
    Click here to edit text.
  • D1062
     Typically English summer weather for Courier's departure from Kidderminster earlier this year 2016.
  • Dapol OO Gauge D1013 - One of the first batch received.
    On release soon!
  • Photo and copyright: Andrew Crampton
    See Andrew's raffle success on this year's OBBO Relief Tour in the Galleries.
  • Deltic 2 under the gantry at Kidderminster on a Gala service to Bridgnorth.
    2016 Gala.
  • 2015 DFE.
    The fabulous Western Driver Experience.......  if you haven't already enjoyed these great opportunities to get behind the controls of a Western, then please visit the SVR website, or contact us directly - it's a guaranteed grand day out!
  • Enjoy the Driver Experience - Western Style.
    Still one or two places available this year - let us know or contact the SVR direct if interested.
  • The morning crew return to Kidderminster.
    Driver Footplate Experience 12th June 2016.
  • Two Swindon built Westerns sit side by side at Bridgnorth. Ranger is positioned for the Gala, and Champion (posing as Crewe built D1058 Western Nobleman on this side) runs around her service train.
    SVR Diesel Gala 2016.
  • Click here to edit title.
    Click here to edit text.
< >

Weekend Updates

Latest Magazine will be out next week. Available to purchase from the online shop, priced £3.00.

14/04/18

Today was a good day. Decisions were made regarding the shaft replacements for the bogies under D1062, and a trial fitting of the set intended for the spare bogie project were successfully trial fitted into D1062's B End bogie. The loco was also made good to be moved as there is a short term call on the lifting jacks by 50 035 over the next week or so.

08/04/2018

Heavy work on hold this weekend in favour of fund-raising at the Open Weekend event on the SVR. The Sales Team did a great job with donations and sales activity which will boost the Shafts Appeal funding, and we've also seen an increase in the membership donations too - many thanks! However, we still have a long way to go to meet our aims to raise circa £30k for these critical items, and if you feel you can help in any way then please do click the Shafts Appeal button .....  and don't forget to Gift Aid!

Bridge Norton was in action again at the Open Weekend with may visitors taking the opportunity to drive the O gauge attraction. Pictures above.

Coming soon!

As many of you will be aware Mark Townsend is working on two 32 page booklets to celebrate D1013 and D1062 operating on the Severn Valley Railway for 40 years.

The aim is to release these booklets in time for the Diesel Gala in May but printing deadlines are looming and he's still in search of some photographs and stories. The main areas of weakness are below:


Western Courier on the Mainline
Western Tribute Railtour
The move from the Torbay Steam Railway to the SVR
The 10 year restoration of Western Courier

Mark would also like any short stories (roughly half a page of A4) on the above. It doesn't matter if you don't have accompanying pictures. (CONTINUES RIGHT.....)

Look what we found! The "B" End bogie has an even later refurbishment - September '75!

'62 takes to the air 13th March 2018 in preparation for receiving her partially completed bogie  which has been receiving its life extension work. See video - below-right.

Saturday, 10th March - RED LETTER DAY

A great days work at Kidderminster. The culmination of a great deal of planning has finally come to fruition. Courier has been lifted and the "A" End Bogie rolled out. Work has already started on cleaning, also the springs from the leading end have been removed. Watch out for further updates over the coming days.

**** MIDWEEK UPDATE - 28th Feb ****

Before 1062 can be lifted there are still a couple of jobs that have to be completed. The two must do jobs before the loco can be lifted are:

  • Detaching the thrust brackets at the 'A'       end and lowering same into the bogie         and;
  • Slackening the bogie swing link nuts to       relieve the weight on the bogie lifting           links (both bogies).  

The swing link nuts will put up quite a bit of resistance, but if this job can be tackled it would speed up the progress towards being able to lift the loco the following weekend - 10th/11th March.  If any Working Members are able to make it to Kidderminster (weather permitting) and are willing to have a go during the coming weekend please contact Pete Sandham for direction before-hand.

New arrivals at Kidderminster. The WLA has invested heavily over the years. The latest investments are 2 MTU 538 Engines, a 16 Cylinder and a 12 Cylinder, the later incarnation of the MD870 and 655. The 16 with yield many spare parts, the 12 Block is almost the as an industrial 655, used in a Class 52, although other parts are very different due to its higher rating.

New toys arrived from Germany today!

25th February 2018

Started work on refurbishing the two spare pre-heaters residing on the workbench today. I'll do a separate linked page for the updates as we go along on this one....

24th February 2018

More work was carried out at Kidderminster on Courier today. After the Timing Pointer was positioned last weekend the final Cylinder Head could be fitted. This went well until we tried to fit the last bolt, which kept jamming on the thread. Off came the Cylinder Head once again and the bolthole re-tapped, not the easiest of tasks as a bit of improvisation was required. The Head was re-fitted and all the bolts torqued down once that Cam Gearwheel assembly was fitted. The Heads will be Re-Torqued in the coming week once they’ve had chance to settle. The Cam Drive Gearwheel on the 7 – 12 Bank was also adjusted.

Courier has also been readied for the lift that's to happen in a couple of week’s time and placed on the Jacks. This is a huge step forward to finally being able to carry out the Bogie Life Extension Work. Although we’ve planned for many specific job on the Bogies, we may find additional work once the Loco’s lifted.

17th February 2018

New timing pointer over the timing ring on the flywheel.

And whilst the work on '62's new engine continued, here's an unusual sight of the Hymek with the steam heating boiler being lifted out - Photos: Jack Walker

Weekend of 10th February 2018

More Cylinder Heads were fitted to Couriers new "B" End Engine on Saturday and torqued down as demonstrated by Paul. Only No. 1 head is yet to be fitted. This will be done once the timing pointer in set to the timing ring in the Flywheel. The intake manifold on 1 - 6 bank was also fitted and can be seen above the bank of heads.

3rd & 4th February 2018

More excellent work on the "Marine" engine in preparation for it's fitting into '62 for the coming running season. Here we see the first banks of cylinder-heads fitted.

Meanwhile, Robin refurbishes the  KR1 Straight Air Brake Relay Valves......

Mark's handywork coming through... just look at that finish on that fan (lower)

Replacement central exhaust manifold is prepared for D1062 having discovered a cracked manifold when removing the "old" engine...

This, and a number of other parts were removed from the engine and will be taken to Kidderminster for fitting on the Marine engine over the coming weekend(s).

28th January 2018 - Pleased to report that the test fit was a success and the Engine is now back out of the loco and ready to be built up. Work will continue this coming weekend with removal of more parts from the "old" block for use in the build. 

The picture suite below provided by Jack Walker showing the new engine undergoing the test fit on Saturday. Click each picture for enlargement.

Below are the first images we've seen of the test build "Masterpiece Models" O Gauge Western..... and very nice it looks indeed. 

21st January 2018 - Out with the Old and in with the New!

The replacement engine for D1062 arrives at Kidderminster as the stripped engine is returned to Bridgnorth for overhaul. 

The "new" block will be test fitted next week and, if all goes to plan, will be built up over the coming weeks and then lifted into  '62 before being run up for the first time.

'heads are removed from the retiring block, and prepped for fitting to the incoming block from Bridgnorth.

AND SO IT BEGINS...........

20th November 2017 - Bogie Heights!

With Courier in the Kidderminster Diesel Depot for winter maintenance the next step was carried out today with Pete and Darren measuring the Body and Bogie heights. It was important to get this done as soon as possible as the next big job is to remove the "B" End Engine and we required the loco weighted to take the measurements.
Much of the Engine has been disconnect over the past weeks at Bridgnorth. Since arriving at Kidderminster the "B" End Engine Room Roof Panels, Engine to Transmission Carden Shaft and Air Filter Boxes have all been removed. The Engine will be removed either this coming or the following weekend. After that work will concentrate on the Body Lift.

So '62 is now in situ for the WLA's most ambitious Winter Maintenance season...... watch this space!

 

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.

A selection of photographs from the Gala are available on the group Facebook Page

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!

MOLLY THE MOP APPEAL...........  click here ..just £1.00

Emergency Shafts Appeal

Following the roll out of the "A" End Bogie on D1062 on 13th March 2018 an inspection of the final drive Cardan Shafts was carried out. Unfortunately one of the shafts has excessive play in the splines and will need replacing before the Bogie is refitted.

Unfortunately, a subsequent inspection of the "B" End Bogie on 14th March 2018 has revealed another defective shaft with defective universal joints.

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!

         RANGER 04/02/18                  The Marine engine test fit              The "old" engine for refurb.

Upcoming Events

APRIL 7th and 8th - SVR - OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND

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.


MAY 17th to 19th SPRING DIESEL FESTIVAL 
and  MAY 20th - MIXED TRAFFIC DAY
Stunning mix of heritage and mainline diesels working at the biggest diesel event in the country! Our Spring Diesel Festival brings three days of visiting heritage and modern diesel locomotives, home-fleet action, evening running and one or two surprises...   NOT TO BE MISSED

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>>>>>

2018 Calendar now available to buy in the Online Store. The Calendar features D1013 & D1062 at the SVR as the  year 2018 is the 40th anniversary of the 2 loco's being based there. 
£12.50p including P&P.
£9.50p if bought from the Sales Stand.

NEW Item available in the Online Store. Soft Touch Blue Metal Pen Engraved with the WLA Logo. Black Ink.  £1.95p  Plus £1.00 p&p.
                     ALSO
The WLA 2018 Calendar will be available shortly.

Fabric Mousemat 22 x 18cm with 5mm Black Rubber Base. 

Available in the On Line Store.

£2.95 plus £1.00 p&p

Hardboard Coaster with 3mm hard wood base & gloss finish.
Available to buy in the On Line Store. 
£1.95 plus £1.00 p&p.
New Mugs  £5.00. 
Only available to buy from the Sales Stand.

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.

For joining information, click here.

For Membership and Renewal, click here.

Simples!

Available from the Online Store:-
PLYMOUTH TO PENZANCE
by Roger Geach


We are pleased to be selling this new book by our friend Roger Geach. This will make an ideal Christmas present particularly for those who are fond of the railways of Cornwall.

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.

D1054 - Courtesy of Chris Nuthall "down under" - lovely shot!

Awaiting dates for the 2018 Driver Footplate Experiences with D1062.

For details of membership benefits and options, please click on the following link. 

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