Wensleydale Diesel Traction Group

Photos Membership Whats Next?

A new group formed in December 2008, on the already established Wensleydale Railway.

 Members come from various areas within the WR.

 

25313 Update

The cab has been removed ready for refurbishment

 

 

 

Hi Folks
 
As you will no doubt be aware Paul Warren has decided to leave the WR which has the effect of leaving the WDTG without a Chairman.  In order to avoid the group being disbanded - something which Paul was also very keen to avoid - I agreed with him that I would take on the role on a temporary basis whilst we agreed a way forward.  Paul has helpfully agreed to assist in keeping the domain name active for the forseeable future.
 
There is little doubt that main line diesel traction is now an important part of the WR scene and will remain so.  Much of the credit for this lies with the WDTG both in terms of the practical work by members of the group to bring locos to the railway, making and keeping them operational and as a vocal pressure group for their use.
 
There are already exciting plans for diesel traction next year, what we now need to decide is if we want to remain as a group and influence these plans.
 
So, I think the first stage in this process is to ask members of the group one question:
 
        Do you want the WDTG to continue?
 
If you would all let me have an answer to this question by e mail  chair@wensleydaledtg.co.uk  we can then decide if there is enough interest to take the next step.
 
IF there is a positive response I will then arrange a meeting so that we can elect officers, agree some clear objectives and get things moving. 
 
I think it only fair that I make my position clear.  I think the WDTG can contribute positively to the future of the WR, but if we continue we will need to find people amongst our members to run the group and take on the various roles which that will require.  The current situation seems to result in the same small group of us taking on increasing amounts of responsibility for every aspect of the Railway.  I fully accept that not everyone has the capacity to be practically involved (and armchair members are welcome as they give us a louder voice), but I would ask that if you indicate that you would like the group to continue, please also consider what contribution you may be able to make.  Not everything involves getting dirty or even being able to visit the railway frequently.
 
I will allow 7 days for responses before making any further decision.
 
 
Regards
 
Nigel Park
WDTG Chairman (Temporary).

 

 

 

 

47703 13/04/10

Work is underway to restart the beast

 

The engine runs once more

 

General update of all Diesel Loco's on the WR 10/04/10

25313 

Work has progressed steadily so far on the rat but now a contractor has been appointed to take care of the cabs things should begin to move more rapidly.

All the cooler group components are now out and being sent to various establishments for testing, cleaning and in some cases replacement.

Radiator frame is lifted from the loco

 

The radiator frame ready for transporting to the shotblasters

 

The badly corroded settling tanks are to be replaced with new ones

47703

 It has been agreed that the WDTG members will undertake the repairs to HNRC's 47703. This involves a loco lift and the dismantling of the number 2 bogie to enable us to replace the seized traction motor with another one supplied by HNRC. This will be by far the biggest loco repair attempted by the group and we will be calling in various other parties to advise and assist. Work has already started on cleaning the main and aux generators on 703 and once all the repairs are complete there will hopefully be enough good weather around to enable a repaint into Scotrail Blue Stripe livery.

47715

 continues to perform well following repairs to the governor and has just had a new drivers straight air brake valve fitted. The owners have decided at least for the time being that the Fragonset paint scheme will remain in place.

03144

 is out of traffic with a worn side rod bearing. The rod has been removed and is awaiting repairs which are likely to be done at the MRC Butterley.

20166

 now sports new exhausts and is available for light passenger work and works trains. A repaint is still planned but a shortage of locos for the busy summer season is likely to delay it again.

 

25313 update  01/04/10

 

Work has started removing the fan, fan drive and cooler group air cowling ready to dismantle the radiators to allow the settling tanks to be replaced.

 

Fan is lifted clear of the motor shaft

 

Cooler Group Cowling is lifted out. Is that the owner of a certain 47 climbing out of the cab?????

 

 

Removing the fan drive motor

 

 

 The team that removed the Cowling plus the man taking this shot

 
All photos Credit to Alan Usher

 

 

Press Release

NRM’s ex-Royal Locomotive 47798 Prince William will make history on the Wensleydale Railway on Saturday 1 May 2010, it will haul one of the trains on the first day that we bring our Constable Burton passing loop into operation.

47798 will become the first locomotive to pass another train as part of an improved timetable. This will be the first passing of any passenger train on the Wensleydale Branch in over 50 years*. This busy weekend was chosen to launch the improved service to co-inside with Leyburn’s food and drink festival.

Wensleydale Railway’s home fleet of 20166 and 47715 Poseidon will also be in operation during this weekend

Timings for the locos departure will be announced at www.wensleydalerailway.com and www.wensleydaledtg.co.uk prior to the event.

 

Message from the chairman

 

Today (27th March) saw the Wensleydale Railway present the Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes charities with cheques for £754 each. The presentation was at the National Railway Museum in front of 48151 and 70048. The 2 steam locos had arrived at York after hauling a help for heroes special from Lancaster.

The diesel traction group were involved in the running of the WR heroes trains and thanks are due to the owners of 47715 for the free use of the locomotive for the day.

£1508 raised in total on a day when the snow fell heavily is a fantastic achievement and a credit is due to the 3 members of the traction group who organised it. Ken Monkman, Robynne Monkman and Judy Warren.

Regards for now

Paul Warren

Chairman

 

 

 

Click on the loco below to see a slideshow of pics from the WR in 2009

 

 

Sulzer Day 2010

Following the success of this years day the WDTG are again running a Sulzer day on our last day of running in the current season Saturday 2nd Jan. 
47715 will work trains with 47703, 47540 and 25313 available in the yard for those keen with a camera.
There will be the standard 3 train timetable and a 4th late train (timings to be confirmed) 120 odd miles available.
All trains will have draught real ale and bottled ale for sale plus light snacks tea coffee etc etc.
For the rods crowd the 4th departure from Leeming Bar will be hauled by 03144 as far as Bedale where a brush will once again take the train.
Anyone not travelling but wishing to take pics in the yard will be asked to donate to the traction group coffers.

 

Work begins on 25313

The roof is removed at Leeming Bar on 12/09/09

The turbo is then removed. It is to be sent for overhaul at Bo'ness

 

25313 is delivered to Leeming Yard 07/09/09

 

 

47540 is now stored at Leeming 

Formerly stored at Sinderby before A1 works started

 

WR Diesel Gala Cancelled

It is with regret that I must announce that the WR diesel gala in September is postponed until next year. The WR railway is developing it’s diesel fleet and feels it is best placed to have diesel running days with the class 20 and the 47 at the moment.  It is our intention to focus on a large scale event next year with many visiting locomotives, hopefully running from Castle Hills over the entire length of the line.

We apologise if we have disappointed anyone, but we will be running diesel days with class 47 & 20 as part of our commitment to loco haulage. Dates will be announced in due course.

Paul Warren

Chairman  

 

 

More 20166 News

At 1700 today (21/8/09) 20166 took power on WR metals for the first time. Many thanks to all the group members who made this possible.
 
Paul

 

20166 Update

Sunday 16th August HNRC's 20166 was started for the first time since arrival at the WR. This represents a significant step forward for us and thanks to the group members who have worked hard on the job so far. Unfortunately an oil leak appeared and was then picked up by the fan which sent a nice mist of oil upward, which promptly settled all over us and most of Leeming Station (just cleaned my car windows).
This is however a minor setback and hopefully all will be repaired this weekend.
I am in negotiations with a company about a possible guest loco for the Diesel Weekend in September and I will update the group accordingly. A meeting is long overdue and when we get the chaos of Steam over with I'll arrange one.
For now thanks for everyone's help and patience.
 
Paul

It lives!

 

20166 Update (13/08/09)

20166 arrived at Leeming Bar on 24 April 2009. Close inspection revealed significant corrosion on the bottom header of one of the radiators. A spare radiator was not readily available so repair by fabrication and welding of the header has been carried out.

It also needed new brake blocks and after assessment, spare class 47 blocks were fitted at the end of July.

 

It is planned to have it running by the end of August.

23/07/09

The WDTG are pleased to announce that another loco is bound for Wensleydale.

25313 is to move from Llangollen to Leeming Bar shortly where the group will work with the new owner of the loco to restore the rat to operational use.

Anyone interested in joining the group to help with the restoration can email me at chairman@wensleydaledtg.co.uk

Paul

Picture from 1940's weekend 18/19th July

Support the Wensleydale DTG whilst shopping online

 

   

Shop using this link:

http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/wensleydaledtg

Search the web using this link:

http://wensleydaledtg.easysearch.org.uk

 

Thanks for your help

 

Message from the Chairman (08/04/09)

 
Following long negotiations I am pleased to announce that the WDTG are now custodians of 20166 and 08825 on a five year loan.
The order to move the locos from their current place at Shackerstone was given to Allelys Haulage this morning. The locos are expected to arrive shortly after Easter.
20166 is in running order requiring only minor attention to a coolant leak.
08825 is more of a restoration job although it is relatively complete.
A class 37 is also expected to arrive by rail in the not too distant future.
Once all the locos have arrived we will then have a very respectable home fleet comprising of an 03,08,20,37 and 2 47's
Not bad for a railway that 18 months ago only had a shunter and a dead class 31.
I look forward to seeing everyone over the Food and Drink Festival Weekend.
 
Paul

 

 

Coach Painting begins, ready for the loco hauled services in May

13th April

3 coaches are now ready

 

The WDTG visit Perth on the 'Celtic Growler' charter

Saturday 7th March

 

 

 

 

Message From The Chairman Regarding 47 Running Day

 

Sunday 4th January 19.00

Just got back home from a very long day on the railway. A great day was had by all and we managed to generate plenty of interest.

Thanks are due to all of the WDTG members but in particular,

Rob Williamson for work on painting and heating, Tim Williamson for painting, heating and loco repairs, Ray Thornton loco repairs, Mick Chester coach and loco repairs, John Plowman coach plumbing, Ken Monkman for coach repairs, catering, Adrian Walby for stock repairs, loco repairs and driving. Mike Birkinshaw for driving. Andrew Chapman for infrastructure repairs, Nigel Park for pitching in with ticketing at Leeming and Kate Draffin for cleaning the coaches and doing crossings.

Thanks are also due to all the WRA volunteers for doing crossings, on train catering/tickets and of course LBSSG and FOLS for manning the stations.

We ran nearly to time all day and all the passengers were fed, watered and warm.

Everyone left with a smile on their faces and that means we are heading in the right direction.

Thanks once again to everyone who was involved.

Time for a beer I reckon.

 

Paul Warren

 

Any comments for the webmaster? Contact: webmaster@wensleydaledtg.co.uk

 

  

Hit Counter