Wings and Wheels reporter Rich K and fellow Wings & Wheels Society gricers visited the West Somerset Railway for its annual celebration of all things Diesel! Featuring a wide selection of locomotives including visiting and the WSR home fleet locomotives which are looked after by the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group (DEPG) at Williton. An intensive timetable operates on all three days allowing all punters and us to get some cranking in behind our favourite locomotives, having a truly thrashtastic day behind some great heritage diesel traction, with local Ale's served on the trains and not forgetting a visit to the Star Inn at Watchet for lunch, and er more excellent Ale's! Visiting Locomotives in action were Class 25 No. D7659 courtesy of the Waterman Railway Heritage Trust, Class 33 "Crompton" No. 33002 “Sea King” courtesy of South Devon Diesel Traction, Class 55 "Deltic" No. 55009 "Alycidon" courtesy of Deltic Preservation Society, and Class 14 No. D9551 courtesy of SVR Class 14 Company Limited. D9551 was making a welcome return to the West Somerset Railway in memory of a DEPG Member and volunteer Simon Purvis who sadly passed away recently after a short illness. During the event the Class 14s will be carrying a wreath in memory of Simon who was very well respected both within the DEPG and throughout the heritage railway sector for his vast and detailed knowledge of the Class 14s. Home locomotives also in action: as rostered were Class 14 'Teddy Bear' No. D9526, Class 33 'Crompton' No. D6566, Class 33 'Crompton' No. D6575, Class 35 'Hymek' No. D7017. We also had a look at D1010 Western Campaigner at Williton where work is progressing well and looks on track for it to back in service, potentially in a year's time. On behalf of Wings & Wheels visiting members to the "Mighty WSR" We would like to salute and thank the railways staff and volunteers including the friendly buffet crews for making our visit a top-notch day out.
Copyright of all pictures in this gallery belong to R Kelsey.