Maybach Traction World News!

News and information about current & projected Maybach engined locomotive workings! Maybach Traction World cannot be held responsible for the reliability of this information - if you intend to cover any of the workings you should check before you leave!

Another irregular update now that I have more time on my hands! V200 033 may be working a "Spargelfahrt" [Asparagus Train] again from Bönen/Hamm to Rahrden on 17th May 2009. The train is advertised as V200/V100 on the Hammer Eisenbahn Museum website, the V100 that may be the alternative power is V100 2079. On the non passenger front, V200 033 is working a private freight train for CLAAS, a German farm machinery manufacturer, on the night of 27th/28th January 2009. The train will run from Hamm to Harsewinkel and back.

As yet no specific locomotives have been announced. The West Somerset Railway Mixed Traffic event is on 12th-14th June and should feature locomotives of the home fleet and visiting locomotives. Long term visitor D832 should be running, along with as many members of the Diesel & Electric Groups locomotives that may be operational by that time, with D7017 possibly having an engine test toward the end of January. D1010s engines are still undergoing overhaul but with luck it should be available in time for the Mixed Traffic event.

A recent surprise from an unlikely country was the discovery of a website dedicated to Southern Pacific 9010, the only surviving US ML4000 locomotive. After years of decay in Sacramento it was purchased last year by the Pacific Locomotive Association who intend to restore it for static display. Included in the site is a page on the Brazlian ML4000s.

The West Somerset Railway are having a "Mixed Traffic Gala" on 15th-17th June. D832 has been requested from the East Lancashire railway and hopefully D1010 & D7017 should be available for the event too. On the Saturday D1015 will be hauling a special train to the event from London Paddington.

V200 033 is working a special train on 25th August in conjunction with a "Rheine im flammen" event. The train starts at Münster just after midday and then heads in the direction of Hamm, Düsseldorf and Köln and eventually St.Goar where the train pauses while the revellers undertake a scenic cruise on the Rhine. After the firework display, the train returns from St.Goar after 23:00, eventually arriving back in Münster just after 03:00 on the Sunday morning. Just the sort of thing for those who wish to recreate the feel of a rancid european overnight during the early 1980's. For the more energetic, the train also includes a fully fitted bar & disco coach with a resident DJ spinning all the best German euro-pop tunes for the delectation of the participants.

The VLV's "Friesoythe Express" on 24th February ran, although not without some problems. The train was mis-directed at Hamburg-Harburg and had to run to Stelle to reverse [the rain was reported to be "streaming"], causing a seventy minute delay. Then the signal was placed against the train at Rottenburg-Wumme causing the delay to extend to 100 minutes. This was due to an error in the timetable. At Otterburg, the steps of the VLV's doppelstock struck the platform edge, then the train was further delayed by a broken rail. At Bremen Rbf attention was given to a defective brake rod. The train was delayed leaving there by 150 minutes. V200 033 performed faultlessly! The day before, V200 033 had been used to move a "Samba" wagon from Hamm to Osnabrück before heading North to Lübeck.

The 3rd February "Rennstieg Pfeil" trip from Vienenburg to Oberhof [Thür] was a great success, with a decent load and a decent route. The climb from Arnstadt to Oberhof on the outward journey was well worth the trip on its own! Pictures have been posted under the "V200 033" page. One observation made by a far taller member of the English party - about a dozen known faces travelled, not bad for the time of year - was that one of the engines has "SBB 47" written on it in black felt pen. This could indicate that the engine has come from either one of the owning groups of former SBB AM 4/4's or even from SBB. It is likely that this engine was installed as a replacement for the engine that was giving trouble in 2005.

On the 3rd, it operates a Sonderzug from Vienenburg to Oberhof [Thür] in conjunction with a Ski Festival. The route is Vienenburg - Goslar - Kriensen then along the former North - South main line to Eichenburg where the train turns East onto former DR [East German] metals. The route then goes via Leinefelde to Gotha then Neudietendorf where the locomotive changes ends for the final part of the outbound run to Oberhof [Thür]. The return run goes via Eisnach then Bebra to regain the old main line, then passes though Cornberg Tunnel and Eschwege West to rejoin the outward route at Eichenburg.

On the 24th it operates a VLV Doppelstock excursion from Lübeck to Ankum [Oldb]. The route includes some lines and locations that do not normally see a passenger train, such as Maschen & Bremen Rgbf's [marshalling yards], Oldenburg Verbindungscurve [freight only] and Bersenbruck - Ankum [Private freight only]. The train pauses at Ankum for just over 2½ hours before it returns to Lübeck, return route similar to the outward.

On the 28th April 2007, V200 033 is the planned locomotive for a VLV Doppelstock excursion from Lübeck to the former 220 stamping ground of Cuxhaven. As a bonus the route apparently takes in an EVB private line between Zeven and Tostedt. Presumably this means the EVB Route between Bremerhaven-Wulsdorf and Zeven is also traversed.

D1015 has been invited to the Swanage Railway Diesel Gala on 11th-13th May 2007. This visit is subject to the completion of the Furzebrook connection to Network Rail metals.

According to an update on the "Westfälishes Eisenbahn Museum" website, the event scheduled for 10th December has been cancelled because of a shortage of organisers due to illness, however the cancellation notice does mention the possibility of a special train to Lübeck in the new year.

The first is in Italy where D342.4010 is out on a special train run in conjunction with an Olive Oil Festival. Other than the date, Friday 8th December, there is almost nothing relating to this trip on the Internet yet, although a posting ERG on Yahoogroups stated this trip would start from Firenze. A posting on the "Railtouritalia" website differs in stating the tour starts in Siena. In both instances the destination is shown as Torrenieri on an otherwise closed section of very scenic Italian track. The operator is shown as being "Trenonatura" but there is no credible website for this operator. On the Ferrovie Turistiche Italiane there is more information about "Trenonatura" but no further information.

The second event features V200 033 and information is just as vague as the D342.4010 trip! The only reference to V200 033 doing anything is a posting on the "Termine" page of the "Westfälishes Eisenbahn Museum" website which states "V200 033 and her sisters are fifty years old!......which is an event worth celebrating." The date given is 10th December, a Sunday. Of course, the timing is slightly wrong as V200 033 was delivered to DB on 14th November 1956. The two V200's delivered closest to this date - V200 037 [6th December 1956] and V200 038 [14th December 1956] have both been scrapped. In any case, an event worth keeping a close eye on for details.

Pictures of the "Locomotives, Made in Germany" event have been added to the V200 033 & Denmark pages. More pictures of the MA set will be added in the near future.

Some very recent pictures of D1048 "Western Lady" have appeared on fotopic at the following URL:

V200 033 was the star performer at the DSB Museum "Locomotives, Made in Germany" event on 19th/20th August. The locomotive was hauled to Odense in a series of freight trains and performed without fault on both days. Saturday saw '033 work as scheduled from Odense to Nyborg and back & the evening train from Odense to Fredericia and back. On Sunday '033 also worked the first train from Odense to Nyborg in addition to its scheduled turn, due to non-availability of DSB "PR" 908. On return to Odense after its scheduled run, the locomotive went immediately light engine toward Germany, presumably to join a freight back to the Ruhr area. Also performing faultlessly was the sole surviving DSB MA "Lyntog", 460. This Maybach engined unit shuttled between Odense and Tommerup on both days as scheduled.

V200 033 put up a good performance with 012 066 on "The Norderney Express" on 5th August. At least thirty two English enthusiasts made the effort to travel on the train and a good day was had by all. Due to late running on the return journey the train was diverted via Essen due to an engineering block and arrived back at Bochum in the early hours of 6th August. There are some pictures here.

12th August saw D1013 operating for the last time in 2006 - this locomotive has been suffering with technical problems all this season and the wise decision has been made to withdraw it from use after last nights dining special.

A lot of August activity revolves around V200 033: Firstly, because of a considered fire risk coal burning 50 3655 has been replaced with oil burning 12 066. However, the steam upgrade does not come without a penalty as 12 066 will be added to the train at Münster which means it will work in tandem with V200 033 from there to Rheine and back in the evening. This train has been fully booked for over a month.

On Sunday 13th August, V200 033 will work a train from Hamm to Kaldenkirchen in tandem with V200 135. Those wishing to cover this train specifically for V200 033 should bear in mind that V200 135 is not a "Growler" , being probably one of the most silent V200.1's running. The route is also relatively level and the train is timed to cover the distance in three hours so there won't be much in the way of crack performance required from either locomotive.

On the weekend of 19th - 20th August, the Danmarks Jernbanemuseum is hosting a themed event titled "Locomotives Made in Germany", which will feature V200 033 and preserved DSB "Lyntog" MA 460. V200 033 is scheduled to work three trains on the DSB main line, those being the 13:25 from Odense to Nyborg and back both days and the Saturday evening special to Fredericia, which is shown to depart Odense at 18:35. MA 460 is scheduled to work four trains each day from Odense to Tommerup and back.

In England, D1013 is booked to work on the Severn Valley Railways Saturday diesel turns on 12th & 26th August, however it has been less than reliable this year so please check with the Severn Valley Railway before you commit to travel - one of the recent rescue locomotives was very unwelcome to "Western" enthusiasts!

On the East Lancashire Railway, D832 will be working the weekends of 19th/20th August and 16th/17th September, while D7076 will be working the diesel turn on Sunday 27th August and on the "Teddy Bears Picnic" day on Bank Holiday Monday 28th August. Both locomotives should be working during the diesel event on 1st - 3rd September.

The 2006 UK operating season has got off to a slow start with the first Maybach outing being with D1013 during the Severn Valley Railways "A day out with Thomas" event on 13th-14th May, followed by D7076 a week later on the East Lancashire Railway. D832 is scheduled to work on 10th-11th June on the East Lancashire Railway. Due to engine problems D832 will not be attending the North Yorkshire Moors Diesel Gala. D1023 was invited to the Gloucester & Warwickshire Railway Gala in May, but the latest news there is that it will not be attending.

In contrast, Germany has seen at least two sonderzug run with V200 033, on 18th February it was seen in the Gerolstein area and on 25th February it worked from Lübeck to Scharrel on a VLV tour. Pictures of the 25th February tour are in the V200 Gallery. There is a tour on 5th August 2006 from Bochum to Norddeich-Mole which features V200 033 & 50 3655. The V200 works the train from Bochum to Rheine, with 50 3655 working from Rheine to Norddeich-Mole. The price includes a ferry trip to the island of Norderney.

D1013 sort of worked on the Severn Valley Railway Diesel turn on 18th June, but suffered a compressor contactor failure which caused it to miss one return journey from Bridgnorth to Kidderminster. It did, however make the final run of the day, much to the pleasure of those who travelled.

D7076 worked faultlessly on the East Lancashire Railway on the 18th/19th June and was appreciated by all who journeyed to cover this running.

Last Saturday, D1013 operated on the Severn Valley Railway. Unfortunately due to a cracked cylinder head the day was run on one engine only. Despite this it was reported that performance was very good.

D7076 will be operating instead of D832 on the East Lancs Railway this weekend, as work on the exhausts of D832 is still awaiting completion.

D1013 continued to perform faultlessly throughout the remainder of the Mid Hants Diesel gala and returned to Kidderminster on the Tuesday after the event. Thanks to all those who sent me pictures which I have yet to select the most interesting for display!

15th May was also an operating day for FS D342.4010 in Italy, where it operated part of a steam tour in the Tuscani area. Thanks to Charles Hinton for pointing this out, unfortunately only on the day the tour ran.

The WLA have been successful in their bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund the repair of the failed transmission in D1062. The HLF have agreed to pay £45,000 for a full overhaul of the transmission to be carried out by Voith in Germany.

D7076 put up a good performance last weekend, with a reasonable number of "the faithful" turning out on the Saturday. Best performances were to be had in the uphill direction of the Heywood extension.

This weekend sees yet another twin engined Maybach double - on Saturday D1015 will be travelling from Paddington to Paignton and then on to Kingswear on the Torbay & Dartmouth Railway and on Sunday V200 033 will be working a sonderzug from Hamm to Korbach rail festival. If anyone manages to cover both, I'd love to hear about it!

While at the Mid Hants, I was shown some video of V200 033 taken on 29th January - I have to say the locomotive both looked and sounded good and would strongly recommend that people should make the effort to cover it if possible.

New dates have been posted in the diary for D832 [30th-31st July] & D7076 [27th-28th August] on the East Lancashire Railway.

D1013 performed well on the Mid Hants Railway today, with only an initial minor problem with an erroneous high water temperature alarm causing a problem during the first run. The second run of the day out of Alresford was spoilt by having an extra load at the front - a Freightliner air brake only 47/3 - though the remainder of the runs were good although the obligatory "gala farce" occurred which caused the timetable to collapse into a state where everything was running over 40 minutes late by the end of the day. On Saturday, D1013 has the ignominy of having to propel one of the most disgusting and decrepit devices ever to have the misfortune to exist on the 09:25 departure from Alton and is again acting as train brake provider for the same 47/3 on the 15:55 from Alton. On Sunday the first D1013 hauled train will be the 09:55 from Alton and a member of the "wrong" class of BR Type 3 locomotives will be propelled on the 11:45 departure from Alresford. D1013 will be returning to Kidderminster in convoy with the locomotives it arrived with on Tuesday. A picture taken during the event has been added to the D1013 picture gallery.

For those with the ability to cover the move of D1013 from Kidderminster to Alton on 12th May here are some timings:

Motive power will be 45112, with 20001 & 20227 being towed along with D1013. Note that these times are very slack so be prepared for the train to run ahead of time as it has a maximum speed of 60mph.

D7017 performed moderately well on the Saturday of the West Somerset Railway Diesel Gala last weekend, however it failed while assisting a "thing" that was in its normal state [failed] and was recovered by a 33.

D1013 has been passed fit to appear on the Mid Hants Railway Diesel Gala this forthcoming Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For those with a slot in this Thursday's diary, the light engine move is scheduled to depart Kidderminster at 09:30 and will then trail around the suburbs of Birmingham then on to Banbury, High Wycombe, North London Line, Clapham Junction and Alton. The "official" reason for this is to avoid running round of the towing locomotive at Guildford.

More details have been posted on the Museums Eisenbahn Hamm for V200 033's trip on 29th May - The train leaves Hamm at 08:30, arriving at Korbach at 11:40. The train then returns at 17:30, arriving back at Hamm at 20:15. Prices range from €34-€49.

On 17th April, E421 worked on the Downpatrick Railway as part of an ITG organised running day. A report can be found on the Ireland page.

At Bridgnorth, D1013 has undergone an ultrasonic examination of the axles in preparation for being towed of Network Rail to the Mid Hants Railway. A Network Rail fitness to run examination will take place shortly. If/when I get timings for the towing move, I shall endeavour to bring them to you.

On the East Lancashire Railway, D832 is awaiting a space in Castlecroft shed so that the repairs to the exhausts can be carried out. At the same time the engine compartments will be painted. D7076 is reportedly okay to run on its running weekend of 21st/22nd May. D1041 is still covered in it nice blue tarpaulin. With so many other engineering commitments, investigation of the reversing problem is a low priority.

On the 28th/29th May 2005, there is a Rail Festival at Korbach in Germany. On the Sunday there is a sonderzug from Hamm which features V200 033 as the motive power. V200 033 will display at Korbach before returning to Hamm in the evening.

D7076 has the potential for Oscar nomination [albeit forty years too late] in the best supporting actor role as it has been confirmed that it was the locomotive used to haul the train during the filming of the Beatles film "A Hard Days Night" on the Minehead branch in 1964. In a recently published book "Ticket to Minehead" [Millstream Press, ISBN 0 948975 75 3] there is a picture of D7076 on the film train.

New dates have been added to the diary, including running dates for D832 & D7076 at Bury, the West Somerset Diesel Gala in May, plus the guest appearance on the Mid Hants of D1013 for their Diesel Gala, also in May. In keeping with their unpublished anti diesel policy, the Severn Valley Railway have reduced the number of dates that the Saturday diesel turn will be running on to nine. Considering how much other junk infests the Severn Valley, D1013 is doing well to get three of these turns and would probably have even less if D821 were available. There is a "bonus" weekend of running for D1013 during the September "Thomas" event. I have no firm allocations for D7017 on West Somerset Diesel running days.

V200 033 appears to be the scheduled power for a special train from Haltern to Wernigerode on 29th January. Information can be found here.

There is no operational locomotives this winter in the UK preserved fleet, with everything being winterised and/or undergoing maintenance. A lot of the groups have got their work out for them during the non running season: For example, D821 has water leaks on both engines and D832 requires a lot of work on the exhaust system. D1062 has a problem with one of the transmissions which could prevent it from making a welcome return in the 2005 season. In Germany, V200 033's return to main line operation has not been without its problems, the locomotive either being substituted or assisted by an electric locomotive on some of the runs. The latest information I have is that one of the engines has failed. The trains this locomotive works are definitely not enthusiast specials - they appear to be operated as part of a German "Club 18-30" style package by a company called "Müller Touristik". The trains leave Köln on the Friday afternoon and haul the "Müller Tanzzug" [Dance Train!!] to Neustadt [Holst], dropping other revellers off in Hamburg on the way. The trainload of revellers [there are many mentions of "Freie Getränke" on the web page] return on Sunday afternoon.

D832 performed well on the Great Central this weekend according to those who made the effort to travel to Loughborough.

D1010 did not work on the West Somerset Railway last weekend due to a transmission fault which also prevents it from being available for the Grand Trains Extravaganza on 23rd/24th October. D7017 performed well on both the 9th & 10th October and will be working on the 23rd/24th October in place of D1010.

D1013, D1023 & D821 performed well at the Severn Valley Railway Diesel Gala, although D1023 was suffering electrical problems that caused several shutdowns and D821 now has water leaks on both engines, which meant it also didn't work on the 9th October.

For me, the Severn Valley event was tarnished not only by the appallingly bad timetable [despite trains being very slackly timed, there were quite a few instances where it was impossible to cross over from one platform to another because the of the booked arrival and departure times of both trains] but also the downright rude behaviour of platform staff at Bewdley in particular, as well as at Kidderminster. After being part of an incident which saw two of these oafs completely failing to help a couple with a pushchair over the bridge, other than to offer to get the train to Kidderminster held for them, a spotty youth on the platform gleefully denied them access to the train that they were trying to board as "it had been flagged off" as he repeated several times at them. I then crossed back over to find someone to complain to, but decided it wasn't worth the effort as the two bridge oafs were now standing on the platform laughing in their re-telling of the event to their fellow oafs: "You should have seen their faces when they couldn't get on the train! Ha ha ha!". I know that these people are volunteers but I would suggest to them that they should find some other hobby [like football referee or doorman] if all they want to do is derive pleasure from the misery of others. Their attitude and behaviour tarnishes the reputation of the Great Western Railway, the very railway that the Severn Valley Railway is dedicated to upholding the memory and traditions of. I have always had the opinion that the Severn Valley Railway is "anti preserved diesel" and has only tolerated the diesel events as they are good cash spinners; This isn't the first time I have experienced the poor behaviour of the platform staff at Bewdley during diesel galas and I shall certainly think long and hard before I attend another Severn Valley Railway diesel gala. I am sure there are quite a few others who feel the same.

D832 performed up to its usual high standard on the Great Central Railway last week end, although there was a problem with one of the pre-heaters that meant an unwanted cold start had to be carried out on one engine. D832 will be running on the GCR on 16th-17th October, operating the following trains from Loughborough on both days:

On the East Lancashire Railway, D1041, D832 & D7076 performed well during the Diesel Gala, however D1041 was suffering with reverser problems that meant there were some runs made on one engine only in one direction. D1041 will almost certainly not continue run in this condition and it is likely that it will be stopped for a long overdue major overhaul.

V200 033 is back with a vengence! '033 will be working the following "sonderzug" both this weekend and next according to this posting on Drehscheibe-online:

It looks like V200 033 will be used on a train from Krefeld to Osnabruck on Fridays 24th Sept & 1st Oct and back on Sundays 26th Sept & 3rd Oct.

I also have Diagrams for the Severn Valley Railway Diesel Gala available as an Excel spreadsheet here , courtesy of PresGen/P.L.E.G - Thanks guys!

I have just learned that D7017 will be working the evening special on the West Somerset Railway next Saturday [11th September].

I have just been informed that V200 033 is now operational and is working a private charter from Köln to Kiel this weekend! I have no information about future plans for this locomotive, but rest assured that when I do get any information I will bring it to you!

D1010 is now the booked locomotive for Sunday 5th September - this was originally a D7017 running day.

Both D821 & D832 ran on Saturday 29th August; D821 suffered a water leak on one of the engines and finished the day with just one operational engine. There are a couple of new pictures of D821 on the "Warship Gallery" page.

Also, from the same source a picture of D1062 has been added to the "D1062 Picture Gallery".

Update from Bury - D832 will be the Saturday Diesel on 28th August as D1041 has problems with selecting which direction the transmissions should be running that need to be sorted out before the Gala on 10th-12th September.

Also D832 will be attending the Great Central Railway Diesel Gala on 17th-19th September.

D1023 is to attend the Severn Valley Railway Diesel Gala on 1st - 3rd October, along with some other locomotives from the National Collection.

D832 will not be operating any Saturday diesel turns on the East Lancashire Railway until at least January as the locomotive is in desperate need of TLC, especially to the exhausts of both engines. The train heating boiler is also not currently certified for use. D832 was shown as running on 23rd October and 13th November, these dates will be operated by other members of the Bury diesel fleet.

Some new pictures have been added to the V200 Gallery, a helpful chap in France sent me some pictures of 220's in DEHE Montcocol service. 220 068 is the only one identified.

Also, the links page has been updated - the Diesel & Electric Group have created a new website.

D1013 worked reasonably well on Saturday, mostly on one engine unfortunately. Those who travelled said it was good, despite that.

D1010 did make an appearance on the West Somerset Railway gala, as pilot engine on the train operated by 33048 on Saturday & Sunday. There is some work still to be done to the vacuum system before D1010 is able to operate on its own.

D1010 will not be available for the West Somerset Railway Diesel Gala this weekend, or, at least, it is not diagrammed to work any trains. D7017 is diagrammed to work trains all weekend, though the first one available to passengers will be the 1545 departure from Williton to Minehead on the Saturday, having crawled around on the demonstration freight before then. Considering the West Somerset Railway website states the event should feature "All train services hauled by locomotives typical of the steam-to-diesel transition period in the Mid-1960's, in authentic liveries" surely it would have been better to have relegated early 1970's BR Blue & TOPS numbered 33048 to the "shunting around for the benefit of line side photographers" turns and allowed D7017 to have more passenger running. That's my opinion anyway. I accept that events like this are "subject to availability", before anyone gets annoyed.

As an alternative option to the West Somerset Railway, D1013 will be working the Saturday diesel turn on the Severn Valley Railway this weekend.

A few additions for the diary - Some late summer/autumn dates for D832 & D7076 on the East Lancashire Railway:

The August date for D821's running day has been swapped from 21st to 28th, as the locomotive scheduled to work that Saturday will be out on the main line. D821's problem is reported to be water in the sump of one of the engines.

D1013 should be working today on the Severn Valley Railway, its first run since the engine change.

The "Baldwin Diesel Zone" has come to my attention as a site with some pictures and limited information about the Baldwin built RP210 locomotives.

Some of the dead links have been updated or removed, especially those to the now defunct "Mercurio" site, which have been redirected to the new "European Railway Server". Dead links on the USA, Italy & Japan pages have also been updated. A page has been added to the Spanish page which shows the final status of RENFE Maybach engined locomotives.

D821 has an unspecified technical problem and will not be working this Saturday on the Severn Valley Railway.

A weekend of mixed fortune at the East Lancashire Railway as D1041 was removed from it scheduled turns early in the day as a precaution due to a transmission fault and was replaced by D5054. On the upside, D832 was out on the Sunday as the ELR has a shortage of operational steam locomotives again.

On the Severn Valley Railway, D1013 has recently become fully owned by the Western Locomotive Association after many years of maintaining this locomotive on behalf of private owners. An engine lift to swap the defective engine is due to take place on 11th July and the intention is to have D1013 available for the next running day on 24th July.

There was a report on "European Rail Gen" at Yahoogroups on the weekend that stated FSF 220 074 was in Zagreb en-route to Gredelj works for "modernisation". I do not know what engines this locomotive currently has, but almost certainly authentic Maybach engines will not be replaced.

D1041 will be out on the East Lancashire Railway this Saturday, he first train will be the 0900 from Bury to Rawtensall.

D1013 worked on the Severn Valley Railway today although the running was somewhat subdued as the locomotive is still running on one engine.

I have been informed that D7017 is no longer the booked locomotive for this Saturday [19th June] evenings "Jazz Special" on the West Somerset Railway. The locomotive is now 33048.

D7076 was out today [Sunday 13th June] to rescue failed 33117 which in turn was scheduled to be running due to the cancellation of the Steam Gala on the East Lancashire Railway. D7076 apparently picked up the diagram for the remainder of the day with the 13:40 Bury departure toward Heywood.

New Saturday dates for the diary on the East Lancashire Railway - D1041 is out on 26th June & 28th August while D7076 is out on 17th July - this makes a choice of two Hymeks to go for as D7017 is also out on the 17th July on a West Somerset Railway "Jazz Special".

D821 has had full yellow ends applied over the green nose ends that she has carried for the last few years. Full yellow ends were applied to this locomotive for the July 1998 East Lancashire Railway Diesel Gala, although they didn't remain on the locomotive very long once it returned to Kidderminster.

D832 will be attending the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway for their diesel gala on 19th & 20th June. The K&WVR is well known for being steeply graded so this should be a good opportunity to sample a Warship working hard. I have been told that D832 makes almost two return journeys on each day: I understand that each day D832 will have to suffer the indignity of piloting or being piloted by another guest "thing" with a very low power-to-weight ratio, the class number of which I shall not mention here. Consider yourselves forewarned!!

I have been informed that D7076 failed during its running day on the East Lancashire Railway last Saturday. Not sure what the reason was, though I am expecting a report from someone who was present.

On the Severn Valley Railway, D821 is working all this week - 17th - 22nd May - as one of the regular steam engines has failed. D821 was scheduled to be out on 20th-22nd in any case.

D1010 will NOT be running on the West Somerset Railway Diesel gala this weekend due to winter maintenance work not being completed in time. There are also various rumours flowing on several UK rail newsgroups that D7017 may not be running either, although if it is running I understand that it is only diagrammed to make only one full return journey each day paired with another locomotive, except for Sunday when it is diagrammed to work one return trip on its own.

Further to previous reports of last weekends diesel running on the Severn Valley Railway, D821 & E6005 covered for D1013, although D1013 did work the last train of the day on the Sunday, albeit with only one engine operational due to a split hose.

On the Severn Valley Railway, D821 covered for D1013 on the Sunday & Bank Holiday Monday. D1013 is unavailable because of an engine change.

I have had my attention drawn to a V200 railtour in Germany on the 1st May, with V200 002. Although this locomotive is known to be fitted with "engines other than Maybach manufacture" the tour has been poorly booked so far and the concern is that future tours like this, which could feature more pure examples of the V200, might not be run. The tour starts from Gleis 6 [I thought they were Bahnsteig!] of Nürnberg Hbf at 08:38 on the 1st May and goes to Eberbach and back. Price is €59 and details are available on the DB Nostalgia website. The contact for booking, who speaks English, is a.bickel@db-museum.de ( Anna Bickel ).

The last two weekends have seen a lot of Warship activity - Over the Easter weekend, D821 had a good couple of days out on the Severn Valley Railway, according to those who attended. Some good performances were had on both days and hopefully we have seen the last of the unreliability issues with that have dogged this locomotive over the last few years. As there is a shortage of operational diesel locomotives on the SVR until at least June, D821 may be out at short notice on the Saturday diesel turn during May.

Last Saturday on the East Lancashire Railway, D832 performed to an appreciative audience but failed to last until the final curtain due to fuel starvation and was replaced on the last train by inferior motive power.

A posting on the Yahoogroup "UK Rail Gen" quotes D1013 as no longer attending the Mid Hants Railway's Diesel Enthusiasts event on 21st-23rd May due to unavailability. The Mid Hants Railway website has yet to be updated, so I would recommend that anyone wishing to travel to the event specifically for D1013 should check before they commit themselves to anything.

D821 recently underwent a successful test run on the Severn Valley Railway which allowed a few problems to be ironed out and also means that D821 will be operating this Bank Holiday Weekend, on Sunday and Monday.

A message from the Bury Hydraulic Group about last weekend's Mini Hydraulic Gala:

On behalf of the Bury Hydraulic Group would like to thank you all who attended the Hydraulic Day on the E.L.R. This was one of our best attended Hydraulic Days for years. As all who attended would agree, Locos 832, 7076 and D1041 did us proud and hopefully gave some of you some memories to cherish for years to come.
Thank you all for your loyal support and no doubt we will all see you again.

BURY HYDRAULIC GROUP"

There are also a couple of new dates for the diary, both at Bury - D832 on 17th April and D7076 on 15th May.

Despite the very blustery weather, the East Lancashire Railway/Bury Hydraulic Group Mini Hydraulic Gala and Nightrider event went very well. D1041, D832 & D7076 performed without problem throughout the day and in D832's case, until midnight on the Saturday. D1041 performed well on the Sunday, in top and tail mode with D5054, which also heated the train. The inclusion of a very dubious locomotive for train heating on the set that D1041 was using was very disappointing (I know of at least two people who refused to travel and stayed with D832 & D7076 all day), but unfortunately necessary to provide heat for the coaches. As the message above testifies, the event was very well attended and I think that I am not alone in wishing to congratulate the Bury Hydraulic Group for putting a great deal of effort into providing three operational hydraulic locomotives for service on one winter weekend and the East Lancashire Railway for allowing the event to happen.

This weekend D832 is out on the Saturday Diesel turn on the East Lancashire Railway. First train is 0900 from Bury to Heywood.

Also at Bury, one of the Bury Hydraulic Group has been spending his spare time creating a Microsoft Train Simulator add-on pack featuring very good digital recreations of a Western, a Warship and a Hymek, complete with authentic audio provided by D1041, D832 & D7076. The price is an incredibly reasonable £5, with all proceeds going toward the restoration of Co-Bo D5705.

On the weekend of 20th/21st March, the East Lancashire Railway's Hydraulic Theme Day/Nightrider Event/Mothers Day Diesel roster has been finalised. The bulk of the running on Saturday will be top and tail, with D1041 operating the starting turn - 0900 Bury - Heywood then 0925 Heywood - Rawtenstall, while D832 & D7076 work the second turn - 1025 Bury - Heywood then 1045 Heywood - Rawtenstall. D832 & D7076 spend most of the day in "top and tail" mode, apart from one train where D7076 is tailing D1041 toward the end of the day. D832 then is the locomotive for the "Nightrider" event until the change over to 40135 with the 0040 Bury - Heywood on Sunday 21st. 40135 continues through until the 0900 Bury - Heywood when D1041 & D5054 take over. The other Sunday turn will be steam operated. D832 is the only hydraulic locomotive with a working steam heat boiler, so you will certainly need to wrap up warm if you want to cover D1041! 40135 & D5054 both have working steam heat boilers which is one of the reasons why they have been used.

I have finally completed the addition of new V200 pictures to the V200 Roll Call pages: Malcolm Tirel has kindly provided me with images of 220 007, V200 009, 220 013, 220 014, 220 015, 220 016, 220 018, 220 020, 220 029, 220 030, 220 031, 220 033, 220 039, 220 041, 220 065 & V200 075 plus images of Bw Lübeck, "Fablon" nameplates and other miscellany.

I have also had an update on the condition of V200 033 with the Hammer Eisenbahnfreunde, courtesy of Doug Tompkins:

"Due to extensive work being undertaken on their preserved steam locomotives, in particular 80 039, which is again operational, the work on V200 003 has been slow. However, work on the overhaul of the bogies has been done.
At the present time work is ongoing with regard to the brakes and electrics, including new batteries. This work should be completed in the summer so that for 2004 we are unable to give any concrete plans with regard to the locomotive's use. Towards the end of the year, and after this work has been completed, we will have a clearer picture. The locomotive still has her 2x Maybach MD650 power units."

At the East Lancashire Railway, D832 had a good run on 14th February with a good turnout of followers according to one who attended. D832 will be out next on 13th March, then on 20th March as part of the ELR mini hydraulic gala and Nightrider event.

Dates for D821 have been added to the diary page. There appears to be some midweek running for D821 in May due to a shortage of steam locomotives.

I have had my attention drawn to an event that will be happening in York between 29th May - 6th June, Railfest 2004. The event is to celebrate the last two hundred years of railway history and will feature a selection of motive power through the ages, including D1023.

First update in ages- Firstly, the diary page has been updated to include events on the Severn Valley Railway and the West Somerset Railway.

The SVR dates are all shown D1013 running days - I have no information about D821 or D1062, though if D1062 is deemed as fit to run in 2004, it may take over some of the D1013 dates.

The WSR dates include less Friday running than last year, instead there is more Saturday evening running on several "Fish & Chip" and "Jazz" specials. As you may notice on the diary page, these trains are only available for travel to those who have booked tickets in advance - you have been warned!

Also, the Netherlands page has been updated, with some more inaccuracies corrected and some pictures added, courtesy of Patrick Meeder.

New dates for the diary: D832 will be operational during the winter season on the East Lancashire Railway. Booked dates are 10th January, 14th February and 13th March 2004. I have also removed the D1015 railtour from the diary on 13th March 2004 as it probably won't run.

I have finally posted some information about the Dutch MAT34/DEIII units. This can be viewed by clicking the "Netherlands" button on the left menu.

After another apparently slack period [on this site, not in the world of Maybach!], I have the time to add some interesting news to the site. Yesterday, D832 should have worked on the East Lancashire Railway, though I am waiting for a report on its performance.

In Spain, it appears that the 353 Talgo locomotives are making a comeback on the Madrid - Badajoz trains. The reason for this is the continued shortage of 354 Talgo locomotives which have a pretty nasty habit of catching fire. 353005 has been reported as being on a test run in the last week or so.

The last few days have been really interesting, with another country to be added to this site - The Netherlands - and more information about an existing one - Finland.

In 1934 the Dutch railways had constructed a series of multiple unit trains based on the German SVT137, some of which were fitted with Maybach engines. Once I've gone through the information kindly provided to me by Patrick Meeder, I'll add a new page. One unit survives in preservation.

With Finland, Olli Keski-Rahkonen has kindly provided me with some more detailed information on the Hr11's and also told me of some more Finnish Maybach engined locomotives that pre-date the Hr11. Again, once I've gone through the information I'll post an update on the Finland page.

D832 will be used as the "tail" locomotive on the East Lancashire Railway's Heywood Branch during their Sulzer day this Saturday - the "top" end locomotive will be 27103. Last weekend, both D832 & D7076 were out, my correspondants both reported D7076's runs up the bank to be "Hellfire!".

Don't forget that this weekend D832 & D7076 will be out on the East Lancashire Railway!

I understand that D1010 will be operating on the Sunday only of the West Somerset Railway's "Grand Trains Extravaganza" - D1010 starts from Bishops Lydeard at 0940.

A while since the last update, events that have happened in between include the Severn Valley Railway Diesel Gala with D1013 & D821 (the only time its worked this year) making the most of their last runs of the season. D1062 was also running during the gala, making some light engine runs at Bridgnorth. On the East Lancashire Railway, D832 was used on the "Thomas" event and last weekend D1010 & D7017 were out and about on the West Somerset Railway.

While the general running season is now over, there is still some winter running available on the East Lancashire Railway, where D832 [with working steam heat!] will be operating on the Saturday Bury - Rawtenstall service on 1st & 22nd November and 13th December. On 1st-2nd November D7076 will be one of the two locomotives on the Bury - Heywood shuttles. Dates for next years main events have been added to the diary page too - the usual ELR Gala's in July and September, plus a Hydraulic mini-gala on 20th March 2004 which is also hoped to feature overnight running.

Don't forget that this weekend you can experience D1041 & D832 on the East Lancashire Railway - D1041 will be working the Bury - Rawtenstall section and D832 will be working the Bury - Heywood section with Class 24 D5054 as the engine assisting at the rear. First train is at 0900 on the Saturday, with D1041. On the Sunday, D1041 & D832 will be out again, so if you can spare the weekend, it'll be well worth it.

After two consecutive weekends of Maybach action, a peace descends across Britain! The East Lancashire Railway diesel gala was great event for lots of Maybach thrash and clag on the newly opened Heywood Branch, with a 1 in 85 leading grade there was no other alternative but to attack it! On the West Somerset Railway last Saturday, D1010 pleased the assembled Maybach followers by performing a very acceptable Maybach virtuoso.

And so to the Severn Valley Railways' ~~Diesel Gala~~ English Electric Gala in two weeks time. I have been sent (from many different sources, thanks!) a copy of the diagrams for the locomotives and I have to say that it is a pretty poor show for resident locomotives D821 & D1013. If you are going to cover this event, I strongly recommend that Friday 3rd October is the day to be there because you will get at least two full runs out of D1013, although you will miss out some on D821. On Saturday the reverse is true - two full runs with D821, while D1013 leaves Bridgnorth at 0935, does a pilot turn from Kidderminster to Bewdley and back then comes back to Bridgnorth with the 2210 from Kidderminster. Sunday is almost a total loss, with D1013 leaving Bridgnorth at 1030 and not returning from Kidderminster until 1715, which means you can't cover much of D821 which leaves Kidderminster at 1545. Aside from the fact that D1015 is unable to attend as billed, there seems to be far too much imported tat for this event including the "every gala has one" 47/8 and class 56, to the detriment of the long term members of the home fleet.

A World Diesel List (at Yahoogroups) posting stated that the three former JZ 761 locomotives were recently moved from Sebotica to Belgrade, with the possibility that at least one would be restored to working order.

At the forthcoming East Lancahsire Railway Diesel Gala, the following trains will be worked by Maybach engined locomotives:

D7076 - 1720 & 1805 Bury - Heywood and back (40135 tail loco), with 1823 from Heywood working through to Rawtenstall with 40135, D7076 working 1915 Rawtenstall - Bury and finish.

I have just had it confirmed that there will be NO public service whatsoever [including the Rawtenstall line] as part of the East Lancashire Railway's Heywood line opening celebrations on the 6th September. If you do turn up on the Saturday, all you can do is watch. On Sunday however, D832 & D7076 should be working.

D1010 worked successfully on the West Somerset Railway last Saturday, pleasing those who made the effort to cover the event. The Saturday evening Fish & Chip special was also a respectable load and the after dark running was especially enjoyable, although the whole evening was dulled somewhat by the continuous display of bloody minded pettyness by the organiser in not allowing people to stand in the front vestibule of the front coach on departure from Bishops Lydeard or allowing people to use the buffet car.

At Bridgnorth, D1013 is expected to be available for the Severn Valley Diesel Gala on the 3rd-5th October after some rectification work is carried out on various previously reported faults.

Don't forget that D832 & D7076 will be out and about on the East Lancashire Railway next weekend, though D832's movements on Saturday 6th may include operation on trains not available to "turn up on the day" passengers.

Finally, D7017 is currently having full yellow ends applied to both cabs in preparation for the running days on 19th-20th September. It is probably wishful thinking that D1010 could have a similar application of yellow paint.........!

Just to remind you (I know it's a bit late!) but D821 is not out on the Severn Valley Railway this Saturday. All is not lost though, as you can go to the West Somerset Railway for D1010 instead. D1010 will also work the Saturday evening Fish & Chip Special, for which only those who have pre-booked can travel. First train is 0940 from Bishops Lydeard.

After another reasonably successful running day on the Severn Valley Railway, D1013 has been stopped to allow time to fix leaks in the Serck system (which runs the cooling fans, quite critical!) and analyse results of an oil analysis from a sample taken from the middle axle final drive on B bogie. D1013 will not be running this Saturday in place of D821, nor at the "Thomas" event on 6th-7th September. Whether D1013 is likely to be available for use during the Severn Valley Diesel Gala in October remains to be seen, though if D1013 isn't available it shouldn't reflect badly on those people that have done a sterling job to keep this Western flag carrier going for many years.

On the East Lancashire Railway, D832 is now out instead of D1041 on 6th September. D832 will be used on one of the Heywood line opening trains, though I am not sure if these are available to speculative travellers on the day. On Sunday 7th September, D832 & D7076 will be used on trains, with D832 on the Sunday Diesel diagram and D7076 assisting steam on the Heywood line.

Further to that, there should be some Maybach magic over the steeply graded Heywood line during the East Lancashire Railway diesel Gala on 13th-14th September and there is now a new date for D1041 & D832: The weekend of 27th-28th September, with D1041 working the scheduled diesel trains to Rawtenstall on both days with D832 being used to assist steam on the Heywood branch both days!

D1010 was observed at Norton Fitzwarren by the travellers on the "Royal Duchy" railtour. Later in the day it disgraced itself by failing with a reverser fault in the Watchet area, causing over an hour's delay to the West Somerset Railway's timetable. D1010 was rescued by 33048 and was last seen dumped in the yard at Minehead. Whether D1010 will work the Sunday DMU diagram is open to question, though D7017 may be called out to play in D1010's place.

The German page has been expanded to inlcude information about the pre war "Fliegende Hamburger" trains and their derivatives.

What a day - a further Australian Maybach survivor has come to my attention, this one in the Australian National Railway Museum.

A surprising find in a surprising country - Finnish Railways operated five Maybach engined locomotives of class Hr11. A Finnish page has been added to celebrate this fact.

Another interesting discovery, this time on the Indian subcontinent! Apart from the 2ft 6inch gauge MD435 fitted MaK DHG700 locomotves of IR class ZDM-2, I have found that Henschel built some broad gauge main line locomotives for India, these though are right at the other end of the Maybach MD catalogue with the 20 cylinder MD1080 engine! Details can be found on the updated India page.

D832 was on fine form, performing for a loyal collection of Maybach enthusiasts on the East Lancashire Railway on Saturday. I have also obtained and posted the Saturday diagram for the West Somerset Railway which includes an additional working (0900 from Bishops Lydeard) to the WSR/Network Rail boundary with D1010 to allow viewing of the D1015 railtour to Penzance. If you were unlucky not to get on the tour, you can still have a nice weekend on the WSR.

D832 is out on the East Lancashire Railway this Saturday, first train is at 0900 from Bury Bolton Street, for the usual five return trips to Rawtenstall.

D821 is still undergoing engine repairs so will not be out this Saturday. The alternative locomotive also bear a Warship name, but will not be of the same equal high quality, so have a good lie in.

Of course, those of you going to the event in Exeter tonight would probably need a lie in tomorrow. It seems it'll be a good do, so if you're in the area do support it!

After D1013's spectacular performance last Saturday, Paul Targett has informed me that B engine has a water leak in one cylinder which needs to be closely monitored. The obvious culprits are either a cracked cylinder head or a leaking cylinder liner.

For those going to the West Somerset Diesel Event next weekend, I have some diagrams for you:

D1010: Departures - 0940 Bishops Lydeard, 1110 Minehead, 1305 Bishops Lydeard then 1645 Minehead and finish.

D7017: Departures - 1135 Bishops Lydeard, 1450 Minehead, 1545 Williton then 1730 Minehead and finish.

D1010: Departures - 0900 Bishops Lydeard - Norton Fitzwarren [to see the D1015 Railtour] 1020 Norton Fitzwarren - Minehead [1135 Bishops Lydeard], 1450 Minehead, 1545 Williton, 1730 Minehead and finish.

D7017: Departures - 0940 Bishops Lydeard, 1110 Minehead, 1305 Bishops Lydeard, 1645 Minehead amd finish.

D1010 Only: Departures: 0940 Bishops Lydeard, 1110 Minehead, 1305 Bishops Lydeard, 1450 Minehead, 1545 Williton then 1730 Minehead and finish.

D1013 was on top form on Saturday, according to information received! Those who were able to travel left the Severn Valley Railway with their Maybach cravings well satisfied and their eyes stinging from the exhaust! I hope to have a fuller report tomorrow.

D1013 will be out again this Saturday, first train is 0955 from Kidderminster. Last Saturday was not without problems as water was discovered in one of cylinders of B engine during the preparation of the locomotive, which could not be vented due to an awkward compression cock. During the turn around at Bridgnorth on the second run, the cock was opened and the water purged successfully. Fortunately the water turned out to be rainwater which had entered the cylinder through the exhaust and turbocharger during a rainstorm and not a cracked head, the common cause of water in a cylinder on a Maybach engine. The oil was checked for water contamination with no problem and D1013 completed the day with two engines running.

Late notice addition to the running diary, D1010 & D7017 will be out this Saturday on the West Somerset railway. The first train is 0940 from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead with D1010, which then works the 1110 Minehead to Williton, then 1205 Williton to Minehead, followed by the 1450 Minehead to Williton. D7017 then takes over for the remainder of the runs, which are the 1545 Williton - Minehead and the 1730 Minehead to Bishops Lydeard where D7017 will operate the Saturday evening Fish & Chip Special (pre booking required), which is 1850 from Bishops Lydeard, 2115 return from Minehead.

A new page has been added!! Clive Barlow has yet again pointed out to me another type of Maybach engined locomotive, this time a bit nearer to home than Japan. Between 1958 and 1987 the Italian State Railways operated up to 19 locomotives of classes D341.4, D342.4 & D442.4 18 with a twin engine/hydraulic transmission layout and one with a single engine/electric transmission layout. Several of these still exist and at least one is in working order and used on special trains.

Yet another gain for D1013 - this time at the expense at one of the "inferior type 4" locomotives that exists on the Severn Valley Railway, or in less cryptic terms the SVR diesel turn for 19th July will be operated by D1013 instead of an "inferior type 4" locomotive. The reason passed to me was the owners of the "inferior type 4" locomotive are in the process of repainting it and don't want it to get dirty before it goes to Doncaster Open Day. As there isn't anything else happening on the UK Hydraulic front, why not drop in on the SVR for a ride behind D1013? First train is 0955 from Kidderminster. I will also remind you that you might want to double check with the SVR later in the week that D1013 is still working.

I have received news that D1013 has replaced D821 on this Saturdays Diesel turn on the Severn Valley Railway.

D1010 will not be out on the West Somerset Railway on 2nd/3rd August - no reason or alternative locomotive has been mentioned. D1010 will be working the DMU turn on 26th July however, this by special request. D1010 will also be working throughout the whole of the weekend 8th-10th August, along with D7017. On Sunday the 10th August, one of the Hydraulic locomotives will be working on the scheduled DMU diagram, according to the West Somerset Railway website.

On the East Lancashire Railway last week, all of the indigenous hydraulic fleet worked with little trouble other than D1041's intermittent reminders that she is the boss!

How quickly news gets overtaken by events! There is now no diesel out on Sunday on the East Lancashire Railway as there are now two steam engines available to work the two train timetable.

D1041 made five return trips on the ELR, though not without problems from the outset! The locomotive had problems with starting in the morning, then B transmission refused to reverse at Bury which meant that all the remaining trips out of Bury to Rawtenstall were made on one engine. The return trips were able to use both engines.

There are still problems with D821 on the Severn Valley Railway - apparently a further engine lift is required to investigate a problem with low oil pressure. It is likely that this locomotive may not be running on 12th July.

Either D1041 or D7076 will be out and about on the East Lancashire Railway this Sunday (29th June) due to a shortage of operational steam locomotives. D1041 will be out on Saturday 28th June, but if a trained Western crew isn't available on Sunday then D7076 will be used instead. I am not sure which of the Sunday turns will be diesel hauled, the first Sunday turn departs Bury Bolton Street station at 1000, the next at 1100.

I have been passed a flyer for an evening event in Exeter on 1st August, for the purposes of recalling memories of Westerns and the showing of slides and moving images. The event will be held in the Great Western Hotel, which is just outside Exeter St Davids station, from 1930. If you want to pop along (and I suggest you should!) the flyer gives more details.

News from the Severn Valley Railway from Paul Targett - Last Saturday D1062 had its engines started as a test of the Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVR's) and the battery charging circuit. An initial attempt was thwarted by two dead cells in the battery, which were bypassed. Once the engines were both started successfully and the checks revealed that the A end charging circuit wasn't working properly, a problem traced to two wires connected the wrong way round and easily rectified. As Paul said "This ain't bad when you consider that loco has had a complete re-wire!"

As well as D1062 running, D1013 was out and about too, due to the failure of a steam engine (GWR 1501 suffered a broken axle spring) so D1013 was pre-heated in 30 minutes - a lot quicker than normal due to the higher than normal air temperature - and placed on the diagram that the steam engine would have worked. Paul also asked me to point out that there is absolutely nothing wrong with D1013. As I wasn't at the running day on the 31st May I have to rely on reports from those lucky enough to be there, so the reports of variable performance I received are not attributable to the locomotive. D1013 will be out this Saturday (21st June) on the diesel turn, first train 0955 from Kidderminster.

At the East Lancshire Railway, D1041 was started for tests after having some work carried out: A defective dynastart damper coupling was changed in an attempt to reduce vibration in A end cab and a new preheater also on A end, which had A engine up to temperature in under 40 minutes. Both engines were started, A end with a few vapour locks and lots of smoke then settled down and B end with no problems at all. The locomotive was moved under its own power with no problems and will be out next on 28th June on the Saturday Diesel turn. There is also a chance that D1041 will be out on Sunday 29th June as the ELR is short of working steam locomotives.

The theme days for the East Lancashire Railway Diesel Gala on 2nd-7th July have been published - the Hydraulic theme day is Wednesday 2nd July, which this year is the home fleet of D832, D7076 & D1041. On Saturday 6th July all available locomotives will be used so there is a chance of a bit more Maybach engined travel and on Sunday the theme day is based on that of visiting locomotives with the possibility of using members of the home fleet. No diagrams have been published so far.

Next Saturday (21st June) D1013 is working the diesel turn on the Severn Valley Railway.

I have just added two pictures of the former Yugoslavian 761 locomotives that now stand decaying in Subotica, taken on 23rd May 2003. Thanks go to Hannibal for these!

I have received news that D7076 is no longer visiting the West Somerset Railway between July & September. The diary page has been updated accordingly. While this is a shame, I understand the reason was the high cost of moving D7076 from and to Bury. The turns D7076 was supposed to work will most likely be operated by a member of the D&EG hydraulic fleet, D1010 & D7017.

While on the subject of the West Somerset Railway, D1010 performed very well all weekend including the Saturday evening "Fish and Chip" special. On Sunday there were some problems with one of the WSR steam locomotives which meant that D1010 had to be removed from its train to perform rescue duties. D1010 then stepped up its turn and ended up double heading with the class 25 on its last train. D1010 was removed from that train at Williton, much to the disappointment of the faithful.

On the SVR, D1013 also performed well on 31st May, much to the appreciation of the large gathering of followers.

This Saturday (14th June) see D832 out on the East Lancashire Railway on the usual Satuday Diesel turn, first train 0900 from Bury Bolton Street station.

A recent visitor to Greece reported to me that he was informed by local enthusiasts and confirmed by sight that nine of the ten OSE A401 locomotives had been cut up in recent months. He was told by a Greek enthusiast that OSE had given him an assurance that at least one would be put aside and parts from the remainder used to restore it, but it appears that OSE failed to tell its staff of this agreement as the eight locomotives stored at Acharne and the single locomotive (A410) stored at Piraeus works were comprehensively disposed of, including engines and generators. The sole survivor (A407) is located at Larissa, which probably prevented it from being cut up. What the future holds for this locomotive is uncertain, but rest assured, we will probably only discover when it is too late.

Concurrent with the news from Mark Alden about D1015 (Mainline page), Mark has also given the following update on D7029 at Old Oak Common:

"On the Hymek front D7029 has undergone a thorough internal body clean and painting inside is well under way. Work has started on removing the corroded cab side panels at the A end and a metal cutter has been purchased to cut and fold the new skin into place. It may be necessary to remove the complete cab to carry out repairs to the cab floor decking and to correct a defect in the cab door apertures which were caused by an accident in March 1970, both door apertures are 'over-opened' by approx. 1/2" which resulted in a poor cab door fit. It was not enough to warrant further structural repairs by Swindon Works but as we have the cab in a stripped down condition it is a good time to correct it. "

In Spain, the only bright spot in a week which has seen RENFE suffer another fatal train crash which left nineteen people dead and forty injured and destroyed RENFE Talgo locomotive 354.007 (one of the 1982-83 non Maybach locomotives), has been the return to service of 353.005. As reported on the "European Rail Gen" list at "Yahoogroups", 353.005 has returned to traffic working trains T200/T201 to/from Burgos.

D832 is working on the East Lanchashire Railway Saturday Diesel turn on 14th June (a few people have e-mailed me about it asking if the BHG site is correct because the date isn't on my site - sorry people, but I don't tell them when to run their locos!) and D1013 worked its first turn of the year yesterday (31st May) although there were reports that the locomotive was running at low power at various points during the day. I hope to have an update to this soon.

Also, I recently received an e-mail from Clive Barlow about some Japanese MD870 engined locomotives that were constructed in Japan between 1966 and 1971. The transmission is quoted on one website as being "Mekydro" so presumably this was a K184u. A Japanese page has been added to accommodate this new information

This weekend, D832 will be working on the East Lancashire Railway, during the "War Weekend". D832 will not be working passenger trains but will be working a freight train that will be "attacked". Also on the ELR, D1041 has been moved to the running shed at Castlecroft so that a new pre heater can be fitted to A end. Last Sunday (18th May) D7076 worked four return trips on the ELR due to a shortage of steam locomotives. Last, but not least from the ELR, D832 will be one of the exhibits at Crewe Works open day.

On the Severn Valley Railway, D1013 passed its fitness to run exam on 18th May. There was only one fault, an incorrectly calibrated brake valve, which was replaced with a good unit. D1013 will be out and about this Saturday (24th May) on a "line inspection train" which will most likely consist of the GWR Observation Saloon and will NOT be available for travel by the general public. Of course, it can be photographed! D1013 will be working a driver experience train on Friday 30th May (also not available for travel by the general public) and will be working the diesel turn on Saturday 31st May, which starts at Kidderminster at 0955 for two return trips.

A bit more on D1062's engine start, courtesy of Western Locomotive Association working member Paul Targett:

"As you had stared on your site, 1062 has had both of it's engines run up. The 'A' engine was a newly overhauled unit and this was its first start up. All went well with it. It has now run for a few hours at low engine speeds and is settling down nicely with a beautiful sound and very little smoke. The re-wire will continue and with some additional checking, it is planned to start and run both of 62's engines at the same time as this has not been done yet as a few more electrical checks are required, namely with the AVR's (Automatic Voltage Regulators)."

While there is obviously still a lot of work to be done before D1062 can be found at the head of a train, an event like an engine start is an obvious morale booster for all involved.

D821 will not be working during the Thomas event this weekend on the Severn Valley Railway, nor will it be working on the 7th June, which is the Saturday of the SVR's Heavy Horse Weekend event. As this weekend is sponsored by EWS, the alternative motive power (provided by the sponsor) fits the agricultural theme perfectly - 37422.

D1010 worked without problem last Saturday 10th May and now also sports a nice new set of correct size headcode blinds both ends.

On the Severn Valley Railway, D1013 has had a new set of name & number plates fitted and very nice they look too! This new set has been fabricated in metal. The fitness to run exam for this locomotive should take place on 18th May - the first date for D1013 is Friday 30th May for a driver experience course (no passengers carried) and Saturday 31st May on the SVR diesel diagram.

D821, also on the SVR, has had the replacement engine started but there were problems which may very well preclude this locomotive running on the "Thomas" event on 17th/18th May. If you intend to cover this event specifically to ride behind D821 you should check with the Severn Valley Railway first.

This weekend the West Somerset Railway have their "Cross Country Past and Present" event featuring lots of imported motive power (much of it of dubious quality), to the detriment of the home diesel fleet. This means D1010 is working on just one day, Saturday 10th May. D1010's booked trains are:

0905 Williton to Minehead arr 0935 light engine ONLY (does not convey passengers)

1935 Bishops Lydeard to Williton arr 2000 light engine ONLY (does not convey passengers)

On the Severn Valley Railway, D1062 & D1013 both had their engines started, D1013's as a test for the beginning of the season and D1062's in recognition of her 40th Birthday (or near enough - service entry date is quoted as 6th May 1963). There were some problems which need to be investigated, though after five years of inactivity this is only to be expected. Importantly this event should be recognised as a major milestone in the restoration of D1062 and is a credit to the dedication and enthusiasm of the WLA working members who have carried out this work in less than ideal conditions at the end of the headshunt at Bridnorth.

Also, D7076 was 40 yesterday - service entry for this locomotive is quoted as 3rd May 1963. Belated Happy Birthday!!

I received a telephone tip off that the Western Locomotive Association's D1062 may have undergone an engine start today at Bridgnorth on the Severn Valley Railway.

I have received news from Bury that if D832 has not had its air tanks re-certified as fit to use, D7076 will be the diesel for this weekends East Lancashire Railway "Thomas" event. Also, new Saturday running dates have been published for D832 & D1041, 2nd August for D832 (also clashes with D821 on the Severn Valley Railway) with D1041 getting days out on 28th June & 6th September (clashes with D1013 in a "Thomas" event on the Severn Valley Railway).

D7076 is out on Monday the 21st April only, Sunday the 20th being worked by D8087.

On the East Lancashire Railway this weekend you are likely to be treated to some additional Maybach haulage - due to a shortage of operational steam locomotives, D7076 is likely to be used on one of the turns on Sunday 20th and Bank Holiday Monday. During their Thomas Event (3rd - 5th May) it is also possible that D7076 could be used instead of D832 which has an air tank that has passed its inspection date and may not be passed fit for use by then.

Additional dates have been passed to me for the West Somerset Railway - D1010 is out on its own on Saturday/Sunday 2nd-3rd August and with D7017, D7076 and other members of the WSR Diesel fleet on Friday 19th September 2003. Don't forget that the 7th/8th June D1010 running weekend was likely to be poorly attended until the clashing D1015 railtour to Penzance was postponed, so you can still do a Western in the West Country on 7th June if you so desire and show some support for the efforts of the D&EG!

More pictures have been added to pages under the "V200 Roll Call" page. V200 015, V200 030, V200 036, V200 039, V200 051, V200 053 & "V200 Miscellany" have all benefited from more pictures courtesy of Keith Bullock.

D832 is confirmed as the locomotive for the Diesel diagram this Saturday at the East Lancashire Railway. First departure is at 0900 from Bury Bolton Street Station, with further D832 hauled departures at 1100, 1300, 1500 and 1700. The diagram was originally supposed to be operated by D7076, but problems with the boiler water tank and pipe work meant that D7076 couldn't heat the train. At least the substitute is a locomotive of equally high quality!

After a quiet week or so, a new page has been added to the "V200 Roll Call", called "V200 Miscellany" which is intended to place V200 pictures that don't really fit on any one V200 page or are noteworthy for other reasons.

Phew! A further batch of V200's have been added to the "V200 Roll Call" - Tom Sawyer passed me a fat envelope on the Western Quarryman tour filled with pictures and slides, some of which I've managed to process! New up are V200 004 (thanks to Keith Bullock), V200 035, V200 049, V200 052, V200 056, V200 064, V200 067, V200 070 & V200 076!

More V200's have been added to the "V200 Roll Call", again courtesy of Keith Bullock who has got the scanning bug! V200 079, V200 081 & V200 082 have been added, while further pictures have been added to V200 001, V200 005, V200 011 & V200 022. I hope to add V200 004 soon!

A posting on European Rail Gen at Yahoogroups stated that on 9th March 353 001 was damaged by fire while working the 1550 Irun - Madrid, in the Alsasua - Vitoria area. There was no indication as to whether the locomotive will be repaired, but in the history of Talgo locomotives fire damage usually means withdrawal. This leaves 353 005 as the only Maybach engined Talgo locomotive and indeed the only Maybach engined locomotive anywhere in the world in regular passenger service.

On the German "Lok Report" website (which seems to have a very strange view of what exactly a "Lok" is judging by the vast amount of pictures of multiple units, coaches and trams!) there is a picture of two of the three former Yugslavian 761's in their current location of Subotica, taken on 28th February 2003. The picture is toward the bottom of the "European News" page. Quite how long it will remain on this page is open to question, as "news" about new units, coaches & trams gets placed at the top the older articles get pushed off the bottom.

V200 005, V200 038, V200 044, V200 047, V200 077, V200 078 & V200 083 added to the "V200 Roll Call", again courtesy of Keith Bullock.

An update for the diary: D832 will be working on the East Lancashire Railway on 29th March instead of D7076. This is because D7076's train heating boiler is unlikely to be working by that time.

A fine time was had by all who attended the East Lancashire Railway for one or both of the days last weekend! Apart from a few niggles - D7076 being taken off the first train on Saturday so that a split union on a hydraulic hose could be repaired, the first train of the day being taken by D1041 (I don't think anyone complained!) and some trespassing by some members of the local youth on Sunday, all four locomotives ("Peak" 45135 "3rd Carabinier" being granted honorary "Hydraulic" status for the purpose of train heat & extra dead load for D1041 & D7076 on Saturday) performed well up to the high standards that are now traditional at Bury. D7076's train heating boiler water tank has been removed for extensive repairs as the pipe work inside the tank had decayed to such an extent that it was practically non existent. During the water tank removal work it was noted that the Mekydro K184u transmission currently fitted to the locomotive was one of the 25 Maybach built sets delivered around 1960 to get Hymek production started before J. Stone & Co. were up and running with production. An interesting piece of history!

After only a short period of time, the V200 Gallery has been redesigned so that the V200 pictures could be displayed in a "by numbers" form. The existing V200 galleries (Germany, Denmark and "Seminar!") will remain untouched for the time being, but some of the pictures may be duplicated in the individual locomotive pages. Additionally, Paul Winter has kindly provided some pictures of Spanish RENFE 352's which have necessitated the creation of a Spanish Gallery.

Times have been published on the Bury Diesel Group Website for the Hydraulic Mini Gala on 8th February 2003. The first train is at 0900 on the Saturday, with D7076 being the train engine. 45135 will be attached to the rear of this set all day for heating purposes. The second train out of Bury, at 1000 will be D832, which will be providing steam heating and therefore will not need to be tailed by another locomotive. D832 will work the 1000, 1200, 1400 & 1600 from Bury and the corresponding 1100, 1300 & 1500 returns from Rawtenstall, while D7076 will work the 0900 & 1300 from Bury and will also pilot D832 on the 1600 from Bury. Then D7076 will work as the train engine for the 1700 from Rawtenstall with D832 trailing the set. D1041 will work the 1100, 1500 & 1700 departures from Bury on the set tailed with 45135. Just to make it absolutely clear, the 1000, 1200, 1400, 1600 & 1800 trains from Rawtenstall (the other end of the line from Bury) will be hauled by 45135. It should be a good event and the Bury Diesel Group have been working hard to get the loco's together, so please turn up and support the event.

Additionally, on Sunday 9th February, D832 will be working in place of originally advertised D7076 on the 1100, 1300 & 1500 departures from Bury and the 1200, 1400 & 1600 departures from Rawtenstall.

A couple of updates - firstly I've added a V200 photo gallery, just off the Germany page. At the moment it contains a nice set of pictures by Paul Winter of a trip to Germany he made in January 1982 - almost exactly 21 years ago. If any one else has pictures they'd like to donate, especially considering the fact that it is the 50th Anniversary year of the V200, I am more than happy to publish them here.

The cause of the second update is a surprising discovery by Phil Wormald who has recently acquired a reference book on Soviet Railways, which provides some more information on the MaK 3000hp locomotive as well as revealing that Henschel also built a two MD870 engined 4000hp locomotive for the Soviet Railways!

Thanks to those people who pointed out that D1013 is out on the Severn Valley Railway on 31st May. But it still doesn't make it like the good old days........

Additionally there is the risk of ASLEF strike action involving EWS drivers on 1st-2nd February. If this industrial action occurs it is likely to mean the cancellation of the D1015/Steam tour from Slough to Penzance on 1st February.

Dates have been added to the diary page for the Severn Valley Railway - D821 is first out there, during the first of three(!) "Thomas" events that the SVR are holding during this year. Unfortunately the majority of D821's running days clash with various other events, including a D1015 railtour and almost all the "D7076 on the West Somerset" events. D1013 comes out to play for the first time on 21st June for what looks like the shortest D1013 running season for years - 21st June to 6th October is just over four months! Can any of you remember when WLA running started as early as April and was also three return trips? There is no prize if you can, but wallowing in nostalgia can be enjoyable........

A new colour scheme for a new year! There have also been some updates made to the following pages [mostly fixing dead links]: USA, Brazil, Spain and Ireland. The background is a small section of a picture of D1041's body side, for those interested.

Also, D832 & D7076 are currently receiving attention to their boiler & water tanks and D1041 will be prepared for service during the East Lancashire Railway's Hydraulic Mini Gala on 8th February.

After a period of quiet on the news front, I have been told that D7076 will be on loan to the West Somerset Railway during July, August and September 2003. Presumably D7076 will leave the ELR after their July gala and return in time for their September gala. On the last D7076 running day on 16th/17th November D7076 failed during one of its Saturday runs and was replaced for a spell by the Class 20. D7076 resumed its turn by the end of the day.

As a further indication of the importance of the V200 in German railway history, the DB Museum have organised several runs specifically with their V200's. Unfortunately the DB Museum locomotives do not have Maybach engines, so this will probably be the only time that they get reported here. More information can be found (in German) on tours that feature V200's in support of steam, here (Nürnburg area/V 200 002) and here (Hamburg area/V 200 007 & V 200 116), while on the 1st June 2003, there is a specific tour celebrating the V200 which features V 200 002 & V 200 116. Details, again in German, can be found here.

Don't forget that D7076 should be running on the East Lancashire Railway this forthcoming weekend - this will be the penultimate Maybach hydraulic event of the year, the last event being D1015's tour on 7th December.

A correspondent on European Rail Gen at Yahoogroups reported that 353001 was working on the Hendaya - Madrid service on 14th October.

New dates have been finalised for the East Lancashire Railway Hydraulic mini gala, on the 8th February 2003. D7076 will be out on Sunday 9th February 2002 on the Sunday diesel turn. Please disregard earlier postings. 2003 is also D7076's 40th birthday year (the locomotive entered service on 3rd May 1963) so why not come and support the mini gala and raise a glass to D7076?

On this subject, I notice that I have slipped up by not mentioning D1041's 40th birthday - 10th October 1962 - which passed unmarked. The only remaining 40th birthdays within the scope of this site are D1048 which entered service on 15th December 1962 and D1062, which entered service on 6th May 1963.

To further add to the celebration melting pot, 2003 marks the fiftieth anniversary of the introduction of the Deutsche Bundesbahn V200 locomotives.

The first non mainline Maybach event of the new year will be at the East Lancashire Railway on the 22nd February 2003, with all three of the members of the Bury Hydraulic Groups locomotives working, subject to availability. On the Sunday (23rd), either D832 or D7076 will work the diesel turn. Note that the Saturday event may move to the 1st March, check for updates. The East Lancashire Diesel Galas for 2003 are on 2nd-6th July and 13th-14th September.

A posting on the European Rail Gen at Yahoogroups, noted that the two surviving RENFE 353's worked the following trains on 7th October:

These two locomotives seem to be quite regular performers on this route, after years of working the Madrid - Badajoz route. Good things can't last forever, so why not nip over to Spain and sample what will almost certainly be the last Maybach engined locomotives in regular express passenger service anywhere in the world!

I've had some feedback about the West Somerset Railway's 1960's Gala, the correspondent saying that both D1010 & D7017 performed well, although there were few people travelling - probably due to the Severn Valley Gala being on the same weekend. Thanks go to Doug Tompkins for this piece of information.

Additional news also from the West Somerset, the Diesel and Electric Group undertook an engine lift at the start of an overhaul that will eventually bring the loco back into service. By the look of the pictures on the "Preserved Diesels" website (pictures for 08/10/02), there is a reasonable amount of work to be done on the engine! There are also pictures of D1010 taken during the 1960's gala.

For followers of Maybach engined locomotives, last weekend started 0945 on Friday behind D1023 on the Severn Valley Railway! D1013, D1015 & D1023 all performed faultlessly over the three days of the SVR Diesel Gala, which was notable for the amount of double headed running over the Bewdley - Kidderminster section of line and some good line speed running overall which meant the timekeeping was very good. Saturday nights "beerex" was very agreeable with the driver playing D1013's engines like some large, loud musical instrument much to the appreciation of those travelling. Sunday saw some minor farcing with handbrakes left on some of the stock causing wheel flats, but was otherwise faultless. Overall the event seemed to be more sympathetically diagrammed than previous SVR Diesel Gala's, though this might just have been due to the fact that there were nearly as many Maybach engined locomotives running as there were other types! Unfortunately D821 was not available for operation on the gala, but was on display at Kidderminster.

Sadly there were the usual general anti diesel comments from some SVR staff and pointless displays of pettiness by the platform staff at Bewdley who for some reason seem to be incapable of accepting that people like to travel from Kidderminster to Bewdley then immediately cross the bridge to get on the train back to Kidderminster. Instead of giving these people an excuse to let them hone their skills at seriously annoying people, the SVR management could have altered their timetable so that this practice could be carried out safely. While they should be applauded for allowing such an excellent event to have been organised, I get the vibe that the Severn Valley Management have forgotten that they are a preserved railway, especially one which is preserved to continue the memory of the Great Western Railway, a company which believed very strongly in customer service and satisfaction. The sort of disappointment that people are forced to endure at Bewdley is just the sort of thing people are all to familiar with when they travel by "The Big Railway". Perhaps the Virgin Voyager naming ceremony during the event is indicative of the sort of diesel motive power the SVR Management would prefer. These views are purely mine, however, I know there are many that feel the same.

For historians, this only the second time that three Westerns have operated simultaneously on the same line, the first being during the Severn Valley Diesel Gala of October 1988. For those who decided to take to the countryside with their camera, the weather was good across the weekend. Perhaps some of you linesiders would like to donate some of your handiwork for display?

I have yet to receive any feedback about the West Somerset 1960's Gala or the East Lancashire Railway's "Thomas" event, though hope to be able to post updates soon.

Also, the overhaul of D1062 at Bridgnorth has been coming along, with a new marine type turbocharger recently being fitted to one of the overhauled engines. It is possible that the engines could be started for test in spring next year, although it is unlikely that D1062 will haul a train during 2003.

During the West Somerset Railways 1960's Weekend, D1010 & D7017 will be operating the following services:

As far as I know the Severn Valley Railway Diesel Gala diagrams are still valid, so the first Maybach hydraulic hauled train of the event will be the 0945 from Kidderminster, with D1023. See you all there!!

The East Lancashire Railway's diesel roster until the end of the year has just been posted and D7076 is shown to be out on the weekend of 16th-17th November.

Yet again this year there is the choice of Maybach Hydraulic action on three different preserved railways in the United Kingdom!! A late change of motive power availability for the East Lancashire Railway's Thomas Event on 5th-6th October will see D832 working the diesel turns with 45135 (presumably disguised as "D199" for the kiddies) throughout the event.

On the same weekend, D1010 & D7017 will also be working on the West Somerset Railway's "1960's Gala" and D1013, D1015 & D1023 will be out and about on the Severn Valley Railway's Diesel Gala.

Roundup after a bumper weekend of Maybach engined locomotive running! On the West Somerset Railway, D1010 performed reasonably well after the various repairs that have kept this locomotive sidelined throughout most of the summer. On Sunday 15th September, there was a minor problem with a clogged fuel filter which caused one of the engines to stall, though this was cleaned and both engines then ran okay.

On the East Lancashire Railway, D832, D1041 & D7076 all performed well, the highlight for those who saw the event through being the last train of the event, which saw D832 & D7076 paired at the North end of the train and D1041 bringing up the rear. Much agreeable noise and performance was experienced! I hope to have some pictures soon. Also, D832 & D7076 will be two of the locomotives available to work the Saturday diesel roster this coming winter season - more of that as and when I get it.

Finally, visiting Westerns D1015 & D1023 will be working on the Severn Valley Railway, along with resident Western D1013. The diagrams look best on Friday 4th October when all trains are diesel hauled, although D1015 gets only one full run each day. It does look, however, that D821 is not ready for the gala, as it has not been diagrammed.

A copy of the locomotive diagrams as they are at the moment can be downloaded here.

East Lancashire Railway, Bury: D7076 is now running although not without problems - The engine kept shutting down due to low water level which means there is a leak or airlock somewhere in the cooling system. D7076 had a test run on Saturday, piloting the steam on the northbound and the class 20 on the return. Work will be carried out to find and eradicate the problem, although confidence in D7076 running throughout the gala is high. D832 and D1041 will be receiving some attention during the week to iron out minor problems too.

West Somerset Railway, Williton: D1010 is practically ready to take up its duties this weekend as part of the West Somerset CAMRA beer festival. The first D1010 hauled train on Saturday will be the 0940 departure from Bishops Lydeard - I understand this was not the original time, due to a visiting railtour, D1010 has been timed earlier.

Severn Valley Railway: D1023 is now en-route to Kidderminster, having been towed to Carnforth from where it will make its journey south in company with a deltic. With D1013 and D1015 also timetabled to work at the October gala, "Western" followers will be spoilt for choice! It is a shame that D1062 is still undergoing a major overhaul, though three working "Western"'s on one railway in one weekend is perfectly acceptable. Hopefully the diagramming will be sympathetic to the cause.

Work on D1010 nears completion on the West Somerset Railway - the turbo chargers have been refitted to the locomotive at last! Pictures can be found on the "Preserved Diesels" website, follow the links for 30th August. D1010 is next scheduled to work on the weekend of 14th-15th September.

The Boys at Bury have had a blitz on the cooler group of D7076 and the locomotive is now all but ready for its next scheduled running day on Sunday 8th September. After that, D7076 will feature alongside D1041 & D832 at the East Lancashire Railways Diesel Gala, the weekend after, 13th-15th September.

D1013 performed well last weekend on the Thomas event at the Severn Valley Railway - the next opportunity to ride behind this loco will be the Severn Valley Railway Diesel Gala on 4th - 6th October.

Both D832 & D7017 were out at some point over the bank holiday weekend - D832 on Saturday & Sunday on the East Lancashire Railway and D7017 on Saturday on the West Somerset Railway. Both operated without any major problems.

D7076 update: Work is proceeding apace on fitting "Peak" radiator elements into the Hymek cooler group - the intention is to get the locomotive ready to run by the 8th September (it's next published run) and then for the East Lancashire Railway Diesel Gala the week after.

It would appear that D1048 is undergoing some long overdue bodywork attention, if this recent photo on the "Preserved Diesels" website is anything to go by!

D1013 performed exceptionally on the Severn Valley Railway on Saturday 10th August - there was no repetition of the largely single engined performance that was experienced during its last running day. Additionally, D1013 worked a private dining charter in the evening to celebrate its fortieth birthday.

D7017 also performed well on the West Somerset Railway, despite some pretty adverse weather - on the Friday the rain only stopped after D7017 had arrived at Bishops Lydeard at the end of the day!

D821 has had the defective MD650 removed and a rebuilt unit installed. There is still plenty of work to be done before this engine can be tested, as the heads & camboxes apparently still have to be fitted - not an easy job with the engine in the loco!

D1010 also has been coming along. The transmission should hopefully be ready to go back into the loco in the next week to fortnight, subject to the previously mentioned transmission seals having arrived and fitted correctly.

Diary update: The date for the "Western Sunset" railtour has changed from 14th December back to 7th December!

Diary update: D7076 is diagrammed to run on Sunday, 8th September on the East Lancashire Railway, which is still operating and emergency timetable.

Diary update: D832 is performing the Sunday Diesel turn on the East Lancashire Railway on 25th August!

The D832 running day on 10th August at the East Lancashire Railway has now mutated into "A Day Out With Thomas" themed event. Given the current Irwell Vale bridge problem plus the fact that other diesels will be operational at this event means that D832 will get even less running than normal.

D1041 should be running next Saturday on the East Lancashire Railway, first train departs Bury Bolton St station at 0900.

D1013 worked its turns on the Severn Valley railway, although the running was the most subdued of the year so far. For a reasonable amount of the day, D1013 was running on one engine although there was nothing apparently wrong with the locomotive. Both engines were running for the departure from Bewdley to Kidderminster so the problem may have been fixed. Hopefully the cause of the problem will be ascertained and rectified by 9th August.

Welcome news on the D821 "Greyhound" front - the engine rebuild has been moving along throughout the spring and summer, the pistons are either ready to go in or have already gone back in to the block, I'm not sure which! Once the engine has the heads back on and the timing set up, it should be ready to go back into the loco. There is a good chance that D821 will be ready for the Severn Valley Railway's Autumn Diesel Gala on 4th - 6th October. Fingers crossed!

On the West Somerset Railway, D1010's transmission repair is also in an advanced stage, though progress was abated awaiting the delivery of some new seals. D1010 is expected to be available for the West Somerset Railway / CAMRA beer festival on 14th - 15th September. Again, fingers crossed!

Finally, D1013 will be out on the 27th July - this Saturday - on the Severn Valley Railway. It was a good day out last time, so why not turn up this time for a dose of Maybach music? First train is 0955 from Kidderminster.

This weekend should see two Maybach engined locomotives working in the UK: D1013 on the Severn Valley Railway on the Saturday, first train at 0955 from Kidderminster, and D7017 on both Saturday and Sunday on the West Somerset Railway, first train at 0940 from Bishops Lydeard.

Despite the washed out bridge and a string of technical problems with the Hydraulic fleet, the East Lancashire Railway Gala was a success. Highlights of the event (for me, certainly) were on the Friday, when D832 made it's debut in BR Maroon with full yellow ends and then the evening 14 coach beerex featuring both D1041 & D1023 at the head. However, shortly after that train left Bury, D1041 stalled with fuel starvation caused by a blocked filter, leaving D1023 to haul the whole train, plus tail engine 45060 and the dead D1041, to Irwell Vale! The total weight of this load was calculated to be around 755 tons - when the combination arrived at the intermediate station of Ramsbottom, D1023's exhaust manifolds were glowing cherry red! This low speed - high power running was also beneficial in loosening ancient carbon deposits that had accumulated in D1023's exhaust, with the resultant spectacular but harmless firework display. D832 suffered with transmission, compressor & hydrostatic system problems throughout the event, but still worked most of its booked turns. Similarly D1041 was misbehaving, with a temperamental pre-heater and the fore mentioned fuel filter. Throughout the event, D1023 performed faultlessly, as did the members of the Bury Hydraulic Group who have the unenviable task of ensuring that the Maybach Music still plays regularly for the crowds. Thanks, Chaps!

More information from European Rail Gen at Yahoogroups - a regular correspondent made a report about a recent visit. Essentially, the two remaining RENFE 353 locomotives (353001 & 353005) are now the main power on the Madrid - Irun/Hendaya trains (T200/T201), which still run over the original non electrified route via Aranda. 353001 & 353005 were reported seen working these trains on the 5th & 8th July. Apparently if a 353 is unavailable, a 252 (electric) locomotive is used on these trains, which is then diverted over the Valladolid line. The survival of these two locomotives may be dependant on the survival of the elderly Talgo III coaching stock, which might have all but disappeared by the end of the year. While the look of the 353's may not appeal to all, Spain is the only place in the world that you can regularly be hauled by a Maybach engined locomotive at speeds of up to 100mph - time is running out! Go soon!!

D1023 should have arrived at the ELR on Tuesday - the first Maybach hauled train will be 1010 on Friday 5th July, with D832. Friday evening will see a Beerex featuring D1041 & D1023 at the head with D832 on the tail. See you there!

The timetable & diagrams for the East Lancashire Railway's July Diesel Gala has been posted on their website - click here to go to the website and download it.

I have just placed some pictures of a "new" Maybach MD872 that the Bury Hydraulic Group have just taken delivery of as a spare for D7076.

D1041 didn't run on the East Lancashire Railway due to time beating the repair team. The heat exchanger was finally fixed by the end of the day and was tested okay. The next time D1041 is booked to operate will be 5th July on the Hydraulic/Sulzer theme day of the ELR Gala.

D1013 did run, faultlessly, on the Severn Valley Railway. The "new" engine sounds good and performs well, though it still needs a period of gentle running to allow the engine to run-in.

On the liveries & details front, D832's repaint has been completed and D1041 will have its proper name & number plates refitted before the ELR Gala. The first Hydraulic hauled train of the Gala will be the 1010 departure on 5th July, the locomotive being D832.

Just had advice from the Bury Hydraulic Group - D1041 will run with two operational engines tomorrow, although the repairs haven't been tested. I am hoping to receive information about the possibility of D1041 working on the Sunday, as the East Lancashire Railway emergency timetable shows a diesel service on Sundays.

Also, D1013 will be out on the Severn Valley Railway tomorrow for two return trips to Bridgnorth, starting at Kidderminster at 0955.

The East Lancashire Railway have updated their website - the news is grim indeed. Follow the link to read all about it and view the emergency timetable.

NB: There is a popup with the news on it, so those of you with "ad killers" will have to navigate the site to get the news.

To view a picture of the last time that D1041 worked to Rawtenstall, click here.

A bit more about the East Lancashire Railway flood damage - here's what a Bury local had to say about the weather in the area last weekend:

"Yes it did [rain], Friday about 17.00 hrs for about an hour, the most rain I've seen fall in a short period of time. Water was coming up through the grids, roads were closed and tarmac torn up. Shades of Lynton." - The bridge itself may not be as badly damaged as the reports I have received so far suggest (Chinese whispers syndrome I think!) but in any case the East Lancashire Railway Board have yet to make an official statement on the damage and what operations will take place until the bridge is restored.

On the running outlook this coming weekend, Both D1013 & D1041 are booked to be out on their respective railways on Saturday, although I have no update as to whether D1041 will be running on two engines or not if it is out.

A busy news round up after the weekend!! Broken heat exchangers seem to be a common thing at the moment, as both D1010 & D1041 have suffered recently.

D1010 was due to be out on 13th-14th July on the West Somerset Railway and its turns are now taken by D7017. It is hoped that D1010 will be fixed in time for the CAMRA beer festival.

D1041 also has a broken heat exchanger, a replacement for which is currently being sourced, although whether this will be fitted, tested and ready by this Saturday remains to be seen. On top of that, I have been told that a bridge has been washed out just north of Irwell Vale station on the East Lancashire Railway which will mean all trains will currently only as far as Ramsbottom. I have been told that it will take at least twelve weeks for the bridge to be rebuilt. This will definitely have a significant impact on the July gala.

D832 is coming along with its repaint into Maroon, which should be ready for the gala in July.

Repairs to D7076 have been continuing although it is now definitely not going to be available for the July gala. Hopefully it will be ready for the September gala.

D1041 suffered a heat exchanger failure after the last running day which has yet to be repaired. Hopefully repairs will have been effected by the time of its next run on 22nd June.

Just spotted this (somewhat belatedly) on the World Diesel List. Apparently the latest edition of the Belgian PFT organisation's railway publication "En Lignes/Op De Baan" has an article stating that the RENFE 352's will finish on the 9th June 2002.

A couple of bits from the East Lancashire Railway - the date of D1041's running day in August has changed from the 17th to the 3rd so that it doesn't clash with the D1015 railtour. D1041 also has a broken heat exchanger which should be fixed before the next running day on 22nd June.

Further news of a diagram change at the East Lancashire Railway on 15th June - D1041 was booked to be out, but as this date clashes with D1015's railtour the locomotive has been provisionally changed to D5600, subject to it having the turbochargers fixed in time. Next time you're at Bury, buy them a drink......!

Bad news from the East Lancashire Railway; Age has not treated D7076's cooler group well, a repair that was thought could be easily achieved by welding and use of alternative parts has turned into a complete refurbishment. Because the wear and corrosion was so deep seated it proved impossible to find enough sound metal to weld patches to, the welding itself being additionally hampered by poor weather last weekend. The upside to this though (if you could call lots of hard work and upside) is that the cooler group will get the repair it has long needed and will mean (fingers crossed) that it will not need major attention for a long while. Big downside is that D7076 is unlikely to be available for the July gala and probably the remainder of its running days throughout the rest of this year. I hope to find out more when I visit Bury this weekend.

Other news - D1041 has had the valve that was the cause of the brake fault replaced and has been verified as the loco for the Saturday turn on the ELR - see you there!

Surprising news from Spain, more so as it is to do with former Deutsche Bundesbahn locomotives! Track maintenance company COMSA has made it known that they intend to retire their two former DB locomotives 216002 (V160002) and 220039 (V200039) at the end of 2003 and would prefer to see them preserved than go for scrap. 216002 has been regauged from standard to Iberian gauge (5'6"), though 220039 has not been regauged, being used on AVE track maintenance trains. The "Lollo" has been recently used on engineering trains in Portugal, although its current location is unknown. Both locomotives have Maybach engines fitted, 216002 having an MD870B1 and 220039 two MD650's.

D7076's cooler group has been re-worked to accept class 45 radiator elements and the roof panels have been sent to a third party for welding to be done - The work done on the first panel returned is reported to be of good quality. Also the opportunity has been taken to clean and repaint the pipe work in the cooler group area as well as clean, examine and repaint the dynostarter.

D1041 has been receiving attention to the brakes which have been troublesome so far this year. This loco is out on the 25th May.

Just for completeness sake, D1013 did not work on 4th May, the turn being taken by a class 50. D1013 was just not ready in time, so will take one of the class 50 turns later in the year.

D832 - Bodywork sanded and metal work being repaired. Undercoat is being applied as this is being written! Roof painted and Maroon paint has been ordered.

D7076 - Cooler group has been removed. The elements are being sent away to Serck for repair or replacement. Both nose ends have been sanded down and one is now in white undercoat.

East Lancashire Railway: The repaint on D832 is coming along and should be complete in the near future; D7076 is receiving attention to its paintwork too. It is anticipated that this locomotive will be repainted into BR Blue before the July event. I understand that the radiators still require attention.

Severn Valley Railway: D1013 is advertised for Saturday 4th May. Currently it still needs one engine to be refitted and its annual fitness to run exam to be carried out - Be warned that if it isn't ready the running day will instead feature a class 50 locomotive, so it is worth checking with the Severn Valley Railway before you commit to travel!

More news from the East Lancashire Railway - D832's Maroon repaint is progressing, D1041 is awaiting attention to a faulty brake valve and D7076 has the roof off to allow access to reapair the damaged radiators.

Update on D7076 from it's operating day on the 30th March - Apparently the locomotive had difficulty starting, due to the electrics being left on which drained the battery about two weeks ago. As far as I know, D7076 performed well - I have had no negative feedback, put it that way!

News from the East Lancashire Railway - D832 will be painted in Maroon, commencing over the Easter period and may not be available for it's running day on 25th May - D1041 may substitute. Also, D7076 might not be available for 30th March, depending on how the repairs to the radiators are going.

There has been some reported Talgo activity on European Rail Gen at Yahoogroups; The 352's seem likely to finish very soon.

On the 15th March 352009 was seen being towed by 333204 on the 1522 Madrid - Irun.

On the 18th March 352009 was again seen being towed by 333204 on 1550 Irun - Madrid, although with one engine confirmed as running and powering. The correspondent reported that local enthusiasts told him it was en route to depot for repair, although he didn't think this was likely because it had been seen in that combination on the 15th. He speculated that 352009 was attached purely to provide heat for the Talgo III set. The same correspondent also reported 353001 as working the 1545 Madrid - Hendaya/Bilbao on 18th March, which is unusual in itself.

D1041 - 8th June - Clashes with D1013 on the Severn Valley Railway and D7017 on the West Somerset Railway.

Scheduled running days - Normal Saturday services depart Kidderminster at 0955 & 1330, Bridgnorth at 1150 & 1535:

4th May, 8th June*, 22nd June, 13th July, 27th July, 10th August, 4th - 6th October* (Diesel Gala - special timetable)

Finally, D1013 has been advertised as the locomotive for an evening dining special on 10th August.

D7017 will be operating on the West Somerset Railway on 8th - 9th June *, 9th - 10th August* and 24th August.

D1010 will also be operating on the West Somerset Railway on 13th - 14th July and 14th - 15th September.

Both D1010 & D7017 will be operating trains as part of the following West Somerset Events:

The locomotive running on the East Lancashire Railway's Saturday diesel turn on 2nd March should be D832. First train departs from Bury Bolton Street station at 0900.

D7076, D832 & D1041 worked successfully on the East Lancashire Railway over the previous weekend. - Next event at the East Lancs will be a running day on 2nd March with D7076 or D832 depending on availability.

More information from the East Lancashire Railway, D832 has been fully tested (all four gear ratios were tested okay!), D1041 is operational on one engine (the damaged heat exchanger is being worked on), and D7076 should have had it's frost damaged radiator welded by now. Tentatively, D832 & D1041 are most likely to be operational on Saturday 16th February.

I have received information from a contact at the East Lancashire Railway, to the effect that the following work is still incomplete:

Because of recent events, D1015 Western Champion news is now on a separate page - select "UK Mainline" from the menu for information.

D1015's light engine move from Saltey (Birmingham) to Old Oak Common (London) went without a hitch. People that viewed D1015 at Reading said that the pull away was excellent, even on one engine. I hope to have feedback on the test run soon.

A posting on European Rail Gen (at Yahoogroups) stated that the Talgo's would continue to operate on trains 200/201 & 250/251 until at least 15h June 2002. These trains are normally operated by Class 352 Talgo locomotives.

Big news - D1015 Western Champion had it's main line test run today - which was successful, despite one engine being shut down early in the test because it was throwing oil. A good performance indeed! RESCO have certified the locomotive as fit to run on Railtrack metals at up to 90mph and the locomotive will be going light to Old Oak Common from Saltley on 29th January. At Old Oak Common, the "oily" engine will be replaced and a further test run will be made before the tour on 23rd February.

A posting on European Rail Gen (at Yahoogroups) commented about train 201 (Madrid - Irun/Hendaya) on 26th January. Apparently on Saturdays, the balancing working (train 200, 1550 Irun - Madrid) is NOT Talgo operated and is a 448 EMU via Valladolid. Train 200 also appears in the timetable until March. Train 201 on the 26th January was hauled by 352009.

D1015 Western Champion is rumoured to be having its main line test run on Monday 28th January. The route should be Kidderminster (Depart 1010) - Birmingham - Derby - Sheffield - Derby - Birmingham (Saltley, Arrive 1608).

14th & 15th September will see D1010 out on trains on the West Somerset Railway in conjunction with the West Somerset CAMRA beer festival at Minehead station.

In early May, D1013 is rumoured to be out on the diesel turn on the Severn Valley Railway. More about that when I have better information.

The Bury Hydraulic Group at the East Lancashire Railway are working to get all three Maybach engined hydraulics ready for the mini gala on 16th February. The work to repair the frost damage to D7076's cooler group isn't too severe. D832's transmission repair is still underway and D1041 is having some cracked cylinder heads replaced, so fingers crossed everyone!!

Bad news from the East Lancashire Railway - D7076 will not be out running on the 12th January as the cooler group & boiler pipework has received frost damage.

I have received an e-mail from my contact at Bury to say that D832 will not be working on 12th January as the transmission swap has run into problems. Instead, D7076 will take over D832's turn. The steam heat boiler in D7076 should be certified during the forthcoming week.

D7076 will not be working on the East Lancs Railway on 5th January (see below)- this is due to some frozen pipework which means the train heat boiler cannot be used.

A posting European Rail Gen at Yahoogroups observed the following workings of 352 & 353's Talgo loco's over the period 28th - 30th December:

I believe that 11040/11043 are trains running to a modified timetable for the christmas period. Some 354's were also observed operating on the Madrid - Badajoz trains.

E-mail from a source at Bury says that the boiler on D832 may not be ready for 12th January 2002 (see below) so D7076 may be used for train heat in a "Top'n'Tail" formation. This is unconfirmed as yet.

A report on European Rail Gen confirmed that the RENFE 352's are still working trains 200/201. On Saturdays train 250 - 0915 Irun - Alicant Terminal is 352 worked on the section from Irun - Madrid Chamartin - arr 1535. The balancing turn seems to be train 251 - 1140 Alicant Terminal - Irun/Hendaya (arr 2155/2200) on the section from Madrid Chamartin (arr 1532 dep 1545) - Hendaya although I have no confirmation of this. Additionally 352 001 has been seen in ex works condition working trains 200/201, along with 352 008, during week ending 15th December.

I don't know: Nothing for months, then three come along at once! D1015 Western Champion has been advertised as being the power for the following main line railtours:

23rd February 2002 - "The Western Pathfinder" - Starts at Crewe with D172, then to Paddington (attach D1015) then Bristol & Gloucester. D172 will remain inside D1015 as backup. 2nd class tickets are £68 from Pathfinder Railtours.

20th April 2002 - "The Western Sunrise" - Starts at Paddington, then Reading-"Desert Line" (Berks & Hants)-Taunton-Exeter-Paignton and back. 2nd class tickets are £60 from Past Time Railtours.

16th June 2002 - A rumour of a railtour from Paddington to Swansea. More when known.

European Rail Gen (At Yahoogroups) - several threads about RENFE Talgo 352's & 353's working on the following timetabled trains:

An earlier part of the thread indicates that 200/201 may cease being 352 on 12th December 2001 although shown in the timetable as running until 20th March 2002. This would see the end of the final two 352's. The Maybach survivors are 352 008, 352 009, 353001 & 353 005.

Location	Arr	Dep	Notes
Kidderminster SVR		09:35
Kidderminster		09/45
Stourbridge Jn		09/58
Smethwick West		10/19
Galton Jn		10/30
Soho South Jn		10/32
Monument Lane	10:35	10:49
Birmingham New St		10/53	Platform 3
Proof House Jn		10/56
Tyseley		11/08
Dorridge		11/25
Hatton		11/32
Leaminton Spa		11/40
Fenny Compton		11/54
Banbury Jn		12/02	Goods Line
Banbury	12:05	12:58	Up Goods Line - Pathing stop
Aynho Jn		13/05
Bicester North		13/18
Prince Risborough		13/37
High Wycombe		13/46
Gerrards Cross		13/58
West Ruislip	14:08	14:14	Up Passenger Line
South Ruislip		14/19
Greenford West Jn		14/24
Greenfor South Jn		14/34
West Ealing		14/45
Acton Main Line		14/51
Acton Wells Jn		14/54
Willesden SWS		14/56
Mitre Bridge Jn		15/01
North Pole Jn		15/02
Kensington Olympia		15/06
Latchmere Jn		15/12
Clapham Jn		15/22	Windsor Lines
Barnes		15/28
Richmond		15/32
Twickenham		15/37
Feltham		15/49
Staines		15/56
Virginia Water		16/04
Addlestone Jn		16/12
Byfleet & New Haw		16/22	Slow Line
Woking		16/32	Platform 5 - Slow Line
Pirbright Jn		16/43
Ash Vale		16/52
Aldershot		16/59
Farnham		17/04
Bentley	17:11	17:21	Platform 2
Alton	17:30	17:34	Platform 2
Ropley MHR	17:59

News (Updated: 10/01/2009)