THE Diesel & Electric Preservation Group (DEPG) swapped over the two Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ in its care, on the West Somerset Railway (WSR) on May 27. No. D6566 (33048) has been authentically repainted by West Somerset Restoration at Williton and on May 27, took over as the WSR’s ‘duty’loco in place of No. D6575 (33057) which was returned to the DEPG’s depot at Williton.
The handover was given more interest by an unusual working of the booked diesel turn in the Blue timetable, the10.00 departure from Minehead. Normally worked to Bishops Lydeard and back by the duty loco, on this occasion No. D6575 hauled the train from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard as usual, but instead of running round for the return, No. D6566 followed it down light engine from Williton.
They then worked top-and-tail as the 16.35 to Williton where No. D6575 came off, its regular duties completed for the time being. No. D6566 then continued to Minehead.
In immaculate ex-works condition, privately owned Class 33 No. D6566 (33048) in the care of West Somerset Railway-based DEPG is seen on its return to service on May 27. This followed a full repaint in BR green with ‘Swanage Sand’ window surrounds and lining, by West Somerset Railway Restoration. It passes an unusually empty North Yard and WSR Restoration’s Swindon Shed at Roughmoor Industrial Estate, Williton, where the work had been undertaken. Picture taken with permission.
PETER NICHOLSON