News Archive for February 1997

Published on 26th February 1997

We take a small look back to the 26th February 1997 with some views taken at the DEPG Williton Depot taken by well known photographer Brian Morrison.

A very different selection of locos were on shed during this time compared those which reside on the West Somerset Railway today. Class 45 'Peak' No.D120 (No.45108) was on an extended stay at the time and proved to be a popular loco on the line, No.50149 'Defiance' was also based at Williton under the care of the Fifty Fund, Pete Waterman's Class 25 No.D5222 never operated on the WSR but had been develiered by road. Class 25 No.D7523 (No,25173) owned by John F Kenney was part of the active DEPG fleet at the time.

To view the gallery, please click here.

Published on 26th February 1997

The 26th and 27th February 1997 saw the appearance of a Foster Yeoman General Motors Class 59/0 on the West Somerset Railway (WSR).

The locomotive arrived complete with five aggregate wagons from Merehead Quarry. The locomotive (built in 1986) was being used to train German footplate staff on the Class 59 prior to No. 59003 'Yeoman Highlander' being exported to Germany later in the year. Foster Yeoman worked with the National Power driver training division to put together a training program for the German employees to pass out on the Class. Static and classroom training has already been carried out at Merehead, the WSR was used for the active part of the driving and operation. The 25mph speed limit on the WSR was ample for training runs, which operated between Bishops Lydeard, Blue Anchor and Williton over two days.

We have put together a large selection of images taken over the two days which have been very kindly supplied from Colin J Marsden and the Brian Morrison collection.

To view the gallery, please click here.