Class 52 No. D1062 Western Courier made its last public appearance as long-scrapped class mate No. D1040 Western Queen during the Severn Valley Railway’s ‘autumn diesel bash’. It is seen heading towards the lens at Orchard Crossing with the 15.10 service from Bridgnorth to Kidderminster on October 2.
MARTYN TATTAM
WESTERN Locomotive Association’s (WLA) Class 52 No. D1062 Western Courier was re-identified earlier this year as long-gone sister No. D1040 Western Queen, to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee. The Severn Valley Railwaybased hydraulic gained further significance with this identity following the death of her majesty on September 8.
These plates were retained for the 2022 season, it making its last public appearance as such during the September 29-October 2 ‘Diesel Bash’. The loco was in operation again in this guise on October 4 and 5 for driver footplate experience duties. As No. D1040, the Class 52 was in operation on 58 days, including the May diesel gala and Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June. The total mileage run was 3,372½, of which 2,990½ were on passenger trains. It is reverting to being No. D1062 Western Courier during its winter maintenance. One of the special name and number plate sets will be the first prize in next year’s WLA autumn raffle.