Western Locomotive Association

Paul Finch, the Vice Chairman of the Western Locomotive Association provided the evening’s presentation. This covered the first purchase of D1062 Western Courier from British Railways and the subsequent acquisition of D1013 Western Ranger and the gifting of D1048 Western Lady. From 1974 until 1978 D1062 was based at the Torbay and Dartmouth Steam Railway. It was then moved to the SVR which now has a jointly funded Repair facility which as was seen is in considerable demand for the other locomotives based at the SVR.

This was followed by a detailed review each year following lockdown with a detailed list being made each January to ensure that either D1062 and D1013 are operational. Although a substantial quantity of spare are available some items need to be manufactured. Improvements are made when possible such as improving the oil circulation when only one engine is operating which is standard for operating on the SVR. Following work on these locomotives a there will be a review of whether D1048 will be restored to working order.

There is one other Western Locomotive based at the Severn Valley Railway, D1015 Western Champion which is owned by the Diesel Traction Group and is mail line registered. In 2024 this operated on the main line including out of London Paddington. Thanks to Paul for an interesting presentation on the complexity of owning and operating  Diesel Hydraulic Locomotives introduced in1963.