GWR Diesel Dept Blog: The Beginning of the End?

As we are all aware, the last few months have been frustrating and challenging given the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19. However, as the restrictions are eased, all businesses are looking at how they might be able to restart at the earliest possible moment, and the GWsR has been no different. Despite the silence across our blogs and the cessation of services for an extended period, that does not mean that the whole of the railway has been inactive and this has been reflected in a number of things that have been occuring across the social media groups of the railway itself and the various owning groups. We have had regular updates on the main GWsR website and Facebook pages as well as Loco of the Day photo galleries on the 'Honeybourne Line' Facebook page aimed at keeping the profile of the line up, stir a few memories but also, with the Gotherington landslip repair, bring in some pennies.

A loco long returned to the mainline with COLAS as 37099, 37324 'Clydebridge' heads towards Bishops Cleeve light engine. Just in the background is the site of the, now repaired, landslip that was completed thanks to the generous donations that have been made since the appeal went out just after lockdown. (Photo courtesy of R. Drewitt)

However, things have moved sufficiently to allow a much more focussed look at re-opening and, if you have been on Social Media over the last week you will have seen the bulletins stating that an emergency timetable will allow a resumption of services on the GWsR. That doesn't mean that things return to normal immediately as there are still restrictions that have to be complied with, but it allows the railway to start earning revenue again. The crucial date is Saturday 15th August, the day we see a return to action - albeit, heavily regulated and restricted. Tickets will only be available for one round trip and you can only book at certain times. We will be running one steam- hauled service, using a rake of six coaches consisting of four compartment or 'composite' and one 'open' coach (along with a half brake) and there are restrictions on what you can book and with minimum numbers. For the full details as they come together, see the GWsR Website page HERE. There will be no immediate diesel running, although, if there are sufficient bookings (or demand) then this may well be re-assessed.

It also means that, in the not too distant future, we can get back to maintaining and restoring the fleet. However, again, details are still being finalised to work alongside current restrictions but certain elements can now be undertaken to ensure that, when given the call, our serviceable fleet can be put into traffic quickly. One of the more essential jobs that need to be carried out is to add an anti-bacterial additive to the diesel tanks of all the locomotives. Over time, bacteria from condensation can cause the diesel to become contaminated and cause serious running issues. With the weather conditions we have had over recent months (cold and wet - mild and dry - mild and damp) and the locomotives standing idle, the conditions allow for the ingress of condensation and the breeding of bacteria in an, almost, perfect environment. There is also some recallibration of air pressure systems required due to the locos having not moved since March, if not before.

The enforced shutdown has, of course, affected the restoration of 1693 (or 47105). Here she is in positively Baltic conditions at Toddington Yard c.2010. (Photo courtesy of R. Drewitt)

Sadly, though, the reopening does not allow us to reinstate the Diesel Gala for 2020 so, the organisers have been working with the GWsR Social Media Team looking at other options for the weekend of July 25th and 26th that would allow us to show off our fine fleet in a digital way. This has culminated in a Virtual Diesel Gala that will take the place of the real thing for this year. Details are still being ironed out but it is hoped that it will include opportunities for 'visitors' to learn more about our fleet of mainline locomotives, shunters and DMUs as well as see how diesels shaped the later years of the line up until final closure and dismantling in 1979 but also its resurrection. There will also be auctions of a variety of bits and pieces and, if restrictions will allow, the potential for interviews and virtual locomotive walk arounds....the nearest we can get at present to allowing the public to get up close and personal! Many other heritage lines have done something similar - as has the GWsR with the Steam Gala back in May. Keep an eye out for further details and lets make it a a good event.

More details will follow in due course.

In the meantime, some more pictures of years gone by and a quick look at two locos that have called Toddington home. Firstly, Paul Jones, a regular contributor of pictures to the blog and also co-owner of one of our shunters, has passed me a couple of photos of the day that it arrived. 'DES' has been a fixture in the yard at Toddington for a good few years and has returned to service in the last year after having been out for a long spell having its centre axle rebuilt.

372, as it was then known, is captured heading up the M5 from its former home at Allied Steel and Wire, Cardiff. (Photo courtesy of P. Jones)

372 is prepared for unloading onto the rails in Toddington Car Park. (Photo courtesy of P. Jones)

372 sits in front of the Goods Shed, now machine shop, in Toddington Yard. (Photo courtesy of P. Jones)

In the mid 2000's a number of Class 08 shunters were based at the GWsR in a variety of different colour schemes. This included 08881 or D4095, depending on whether you are pre or post TOPS. Built in 1961 it was based through its entire BR life in Scotland, being withdrawn from Ayr TMD in 2004. It arrived for the first of its three spells at the GWsR in 2007, before being released for spot hire to Lafarge, Mountsorrel for a period in 2008. It returned late in 2008 before being sold to the Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust at Midsomer Norton. It returned on hire in 2013 for a year to cover a shunter shortage at Toddington before heading back to the S&D. The following photos of 08881/D4095 are courtesy of Richard Drewitt and were taken in 2008 and 2013.

D4095 rests in the sun at Carriage and Wagon, Winchcombe. (Photo courtesy of R. Drewitt)

D4095 sits on the unloading road at Toddington. (Photo courtesy of R. Drewitt)

Its not just some of our ex-mainline locos that have been recalled onto the national network (37324/37099 and 37219 are ex-residents that are now with COLAS) but one of the Class 08 shunters that were based at Toddington has also returned to revenue earning service on the mainline. 08683 was only based at Toddington for a short period in 2010 having been purchased by Rail Support Services (RSS). Whilst at Toddington the shunter still wore its faded EWS livery of maroon and yellow.