The old 'Western' diesel Hydraulics were always my favourite loco. That sweet design and their relative unavailability to a young boy based in the North of England in the '70s just made every time I caught sight of one even more sweet.
The westerns ran almost exclusively on the great western routes to the south west and wales, mostly from London paddington, but also from Birmingham, which is where I would go to catch sight of them. I recall a school trip to Bath, where I had one of my first chances to see them close up - I still have the photos somewhere.
These shots are from more recent times - A diesel day on the West Somerset Railway on 29th April 2000, and from the Old Oak Common open day on 6th August of the same year. Finally a couple of shots from Barrow Hill open day on 8th October 2000.
West Somerset Railway
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| This is a view inside the engine room - I can't remember if it's 1010 or 1023 |
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| D1010 stands at Bridgwater |
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| My favourite shot of a locomotive. Just so you know. |
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| D1023 at Bridgwater |
Old Oak Common
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| D1023 at Old Oak Common |
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| A classic line up of old western region motive power. |
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| D1015 resplendent in Caramel livery |
Barrow Hill
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| D1023 in the yard |
