The DEPG’s Class 35 Hymek D7017 is featuring in several major events at the West Somerset Railway this year, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the reopening of the Minehead branch.
After closure of the branch by BR in January 1971, the first public trains were run by the WSR on Saturday, March 28, 1976, initially from Minehead to Blue Anchor, then extending to Williton in the summer and then to Stogumber, finally reaching Bishops Lydeard in 1977.
After being acquired directly from BR by the Diesel & Electric Preservation Group (DEPG) in May 1975, D7017 was moved to Taunton and was stabled there until the WSR was able to accept it. That move finally took place on March 25, 1976, when the Class 35 was hauled to Minehead by Bagnall 2996 Victor, along with GWR 6412. Thereafter, D7017 has been based on the WSR since the start and will take part in the 50th anniversary celebrations.
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The loco is then due to star in the June 4–7 diesel gala, where it will line up with several other locos including the two other Type 3 designs – guest loco English Electric Type 3 37250 and resident BRCW Type 3s D6566/75 (33048/057).
Later in the year, during the August 29–31 Bank Holiday weekend, five of the WSR’s diesels celebrating their 65th anniversaries this year will take part in a Diesels at 65 event. An enhanced timetable will provide interesting haulage opportunities featuring Classes 09, 33 and 35. The details are still being worked out.
