SVR Diesels

Strange you should say that. At one point last Friday, Minehead boasted class 33s at the London end of trains in both platforms. Pity neither was showing a 98 headcode!

Quick question please .... neither 33 at the WSR diesel bash was showing a Blue Star MU code. Does anyone know if this is due to inactive MU gear, or as both were in early green, is it just a livery thing ?

 

I don't think anyone can accuse the SVR of being anti-diesel as a railway. There are about the same number of steam and diesel locos resident there and the latter had regular turns even before the coal crisis.

There was obviously a reason for the apparent falling out between the SVR and the Somerset & Dorset Loco Company which resulted in the 20s moving to Chinnor and Princes Risborough and subsequently to the Mid Hants (something of a haven for Somerset & Dorset refugees!). I don't know what the reason was and don't particularly want to, but there are usually two sides to every story. FWIW I'm sorry they had to move on.

 

The SVR has been one of the pioneers of Diesel loco preservation, introducing the diesel gala concept. The Western Loco Association has been there since the 70's, the Fifty Fund found a welcoming home 20 odd years ago and is now one of the largest private owner groups of mainline locomotives and in recent years they have opened one of the best diesel maintenance depots anywhere in the UK which rivals anything on the big railway.
In recent years they have struck up many useful contacts with the modern railway including GBRf, DRS and LSL. These are proving fruitful with Contract work, driver training and locomotive transfers and visitors.
No I don't think they can be accused of being anti diesel!

 

Last I heard it was still based with a running agreement at Chinnor, though it spends a fair bit of its time on the Valley.

 

I believe it's heading back to Chinnor shortly.

 

I think you'll find that its appearance at the SVR is the result of the Diesel Traction Group (its owner) having a base at the SVR hence its recent overhaul and consequent fettling being undertaken there. Whilst nominally based at Chinnor I would presume that the hire contract allows for the loco to visit other heritage lines subject to Chinnor's operational needs. Personally I have enjoyed seeing it at the SVR and now await the return of D7029 to active service; IMHO you can never have too many active Hymeks !!

 

The WLA have announced that D1048 Western Lady has been gifted to the association. The loco will be assessed with view to a return to working order subject to a vote by the WLA membership.

 

I believe certain bits on 1048 are ‘knackered’ it’s a project to get stuck into after 1013’s done, not that anything regarding heritage traction can ever be regarded as ‘completed’
As I say this was pretty much an open secret last weekend.

 

Not entirely gifted by the sounds of it, but it's amazing what £10.48 can buy you these days.

 

That’s me buggered now that DRS have put 37401 up for sale then…

 

Well let's hope your new owner treats you kindly.

 

You mean using him for craft ale rather than XXXX?


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