Having been cosmetically restored then gifted to the Western Locomotive Association by its then owners in 2023, a thorough inspection is underway to investigate the feasibility of returning Western Lady to service.
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Having been cosmetically restored then gifted to the Western Locomotive Association by its then owners in 2023, a thorough inspection is underway to investigate the feasibility of returning Western Lady to service.
The best I could do to capture Western Courier.
Diesel Hydraulic, Class 52, D1062 'Western Courier' accelerates away from Hampton Loade working the 09:45 Bridgnorth to Kidderminster service on Saturday 5th October 2024 on Day 3 of the Severn Valley Railways Autumn Diesel Gala.
Waiting for Tonto? No, D1013 ‘Western Ranger’ was waiting at an almost-deserted Kingswear for D1062 to bring in a train from Paignton, which ‘Ranger’ would then haul back. The pair were running in connection with the ‘Western Ambassador’ railtour from Paddington on 29 April, 1978. The misty conditions persisted there for most of the day but it was marvellous to hear twin Maybach engines working hard in the Devon hills once again. D1013 was still in its BR blue paint, with white wheel rims added for its participation in the ‘Western Tribute’ railtour of February 1977, which marked the end of the class’s career in BR service. The locos were moved in August 1978 to the Severn Valley Railway, where they have been based ever since.
29 April 1978 was a red letter day for ‘Western’ diesel hydraulic fans. Fourteen months after BR finally withdrew the class, preserved D1013 and D1062 were once again hauling passengers, albeit on the privately-owned Torbay Steam Railway in Devon. Operated in connection with the ‘Western Ambassador’ charter train from Paddington, the locos between them powered four return trips from Paignton to Kingswear, allowing enthusiasts to once again savour the unique sound of high-speed Maybach engines working hard on steep West Country gradients. Here we see D1062 'Western Courier' passing a misty Greenway, near Churston, with a Kingswear to Paignton working. The Westerns looked very much at home on the branch, which they visited regularly on summer Saturdays in BR days. However, later that year they both moved to the Severn Valley Railway where they have been based ever since. Seven of the 74 ‘Westerns’ made it into preservation, with one (D1015) equipped and certified to operate on the main line.
Class 52,D1062 'Western Courier' shunts coaching stock in Kidderminster. 14th September 2024
The Western Locomotive Association's D1062 'Western Courier' operating on Friday 21st June 2024 as part of the Severn Valley Railways, Supporters Day.
Seen passing by Tenbury Wall, Northwood Lane, shortly after departure from Bewdley.
The Western Locomotive Association's D1062 'Western Courier' operating on Friday 21st June 2024 as part of the Severn Valley Railways, Supporters Day.
Seen heading along Northwood lane, Bewdley at Orchard Crossing.
The Western Locomotive Association's D1062 'Western Courier' operating on Friday 21st June 2024 as part of the Severn Valley Railways, Supporters Day.
Seen accelerating by Tenbury Wall shortly after departure from Bewdley.
Bridgnorth Signal Box, Severn Valley Railway
D1048 Western Lady, Kidderminster, Severn Valley Railway
D1013 Western Ranger nameplate
D1062 Western Courier and myself at Bewdley, Severn Valley Railway.
D1015 Western Champion at Kidderminster Depot, Severn Valley Railway
D1013 Western Ranger at Kidderminster Depot
D1015 Western Champion, Kidderminster, Severn Valley Railway
D1013 Western Ranger Kidderminster, Severn Valley Railway
D1013 Western Ranger and 50049 Defiance at Kidderminster Depot.