WESTERN LOCOMOTIVE ASSOCIATION LIMITED
The Western Locomotive Association (WLA) seeks to preserve D1013 Western Ranger, D1048 Western Lady and D1062 Western Courier on the Severn Valley Railway, whilst maintaining D1013 and D1062 to at least the standard achieved by the former British Railways (Western Region) and fit for main line running, dead in tow. In addition, the WLA aims to advance the education of the public in the history of the locomotives, with the aim of increasing its membership base. The WLA was proud to be gifted D1048 Western Lady in September 2023 and this locomotive, although complete, will be subject to an engineering assessment to determine the scope of preservation work for the future. The WLA normally has one locomotive operational on the SVR during the running season (May to October) each year. For 2024, the WLA is looking to raise £10k through the Crowdfunder site to help contribute towards the current overhaul of D1013 and towards the initial preservation work that D1048 will undoubtedly require.
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Celebrating 50 years of Class 52 preservation, the WLA are now the proud owners of 3 of the 7 surviving Western diesel hydraulics which were introduced to British Railways (Western Region) in 1961, as part of the modernisation plan to replace steam with diesel and electric traction. Classified as non-standard with their hydraulic transmissions in favour of diesel electric traction before the 1970's these stunning locomotives, along with other types of hydraulic traction, were all but extinct by February 1977, when the last Class 52's were withdrawn from service. Of the 74 built 67 were scrapped, with only 7 surviving into preservation.
These locomotives require many volunteer hours including time spent on the maintenance and procurement of new or refurbished parts and, where necessary, the appointment of specialist contractors to assist with the overhaul of ancillary equipment.
D1013, D1048 & D1062 form part of our country's rich railway history and our aim is to ensure that they continue to be preserved into the distant future to help keep alive our heritage, attract future generations to our organisation and to keep alive the broad array of skills essential for their operation including, mechanical, electrical, fabrication, coach painting and operational expertise. Education will be at the core of this work.
The WLA's locomotives will ensure tourism and leisure activities continue to thrive at their operational base on the Severn Valley Railway.