Scanning of D1015, November 2016

On November 17 Masterpiece models spent the day laser scanning D1015 to allow them accurate measurements for their upcoming O guage model of the class. A large amount of data was captured during the day, including scans of the cabs, engine rooms and even the underside. For full details of the up and coming model, please follow this link to Masterpiece Models.

Many thanks to Jeff Atkins for his support on the day, allowing unrestricted access to D1015.

Colas Freight Working, October 2009

On October 14th and 15th 2009, Western Champion worked a Colas Rail freight China Clay Tanks from Quidhampton to Tavistock Junction:

14/10/2009
0Z52 ---:--- Eastleigh to Quidhampton, Light Diesel
6Z52 15:55 Quidhampton-Tavistock Junction

15/10/2009
6Z52 09:35 Tavistock Junction-Burngullow
6Z52 15:55 Quidhampton-Tavistock Junction
0Z52 11:50 Burngullow-Eastleigh, Light Diesel

Serco North London Route Learning Sept-Oct 2009

Between the 28th of September and 2nd of October 2009, Western Champion was used by Serco for route learning on the North London Line. This selection of pictures from Paul Winter and Steve Hampton document some of the movements between Stratford and Richmond.

Southampton Eastern Docks, April 2009

On Wednesday the 8th of April 2009, D1015 visited Southampton Eastern Docks which we think is a first for a Class 52. After working the train from Bristol Marsh Junction, D1015 then ran light engine to its new home at Eastleigh TMD, a move dictated by the impending closure of 'The Factory' at Old Oak Common.

"The Bank Job", Sunday 18th February 2007

Stardom for 'The Mule' came when it was was transformed into D1046 Western Marquis for filming at Paddington on the 18th of February 2007. The film was based on a true story about a bank robbery in 1971 at which time D1046 was the sole remaining operational Western in Maroon livery. Paddington platform number one was transformed back to an era of flairs and heels with numerous posters and props from that era positioned along the side of the train.

The Bank Job directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Roger Donaldson ("The Worlds Fastest Indian", "The Recruit", "Dante's Peak", "Cocktail"), and produced by Steven Chasman ("Transporter 1 & 2") and Charles Roven ("Batman Begins"). The Script was written by Dick Clement & Ian La Frenais ("The Commitments", "Still Crazy", "Porridge") and is based on a true story about a bank robbery that happened at the Lloyds Bank on Baker Street in September 1971. The prime targets were the hundreds of personal safety deposit boxes in the vault which held undeclared wealth and secrets including a ledger of all the dealings between an underworld leader with corrupt police officials, photos of political and leading figures in compromising situations. Jason Statham ("Crank", "Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels", "Snatch") plays Terry Leather, an East End car dealer who is enticed by an old flame, Martine, to organise the raid by tunnelling from a shop two doors away. Martine was enlisted by the Secret Service, who were desperate to get hold of the illicit photographs.

While tunnelling into the bank, their radio chatter with the look-out on a nearby roof was overheard by a local radio ham who alerted the local police to the robbery. The police didn't take him seriously until he released copies of the tapes to local radio. While the police were frantically trying to find the bank in question, searching hundreds of banks in the local area, the gang were escaping with their loot. Terry and his gang went on the run from the Police (good & bad), the Secret Service and unscrupulous owners of safety deposit boxes that were stolen. London in the early 1970's was an energetic, diverse and changing City and we hope to capture all sides of it. We want to show the gap between the colourful glamorous life that Martine leads as a London fashion model, and Terry's slightly shady life at the car dealership that he so desperately wants to escape from.

Leading Lady, Saffron Burrows was invited into the cab of D1015 at Paddington and asked about the history of the locomotive and the DTG. Ms Burrows took a brief tour of the engine room and was then invited to start the engines ready for the departure back to Old Oak Common.

Mark Alden explained to her that she may have ridden behind these locomotives going on her holidays to the West Country in the 60's and 70's. It was then that Mark realised how old he was getting when Ms Burrows replied ...... "but I wasn't born then"!!

Click on any photo to enter the gallery.

Freight in Cornwall, August-September 2002

Certainly one of the highlights of D1015's new mainline career was working the China Clay's in Cornwall in late August and early September 2002.

The story started with EWS requesting D1015 to visit St. Blazey to be displayed along with other former BR traction associated with the depot for a private staff event. Originally Champion was then to go back home to Old Oak Common. However, it became obvious that it would be an ideal opportunity for EWS to train some West of England drivers on the '52', paving the way for tours through to Penzance.

This whole outing nearly didn't happen as on the August 17th Worcester railtour, the B end turbo blower bottom end bearings broke up resulting in D1015 operating on one engine only from Leamington Spa. This left only 10 days to effect repairs or disappoint a lot of people. Failure was not an option! The damaged B turbo blower was removed and replaced with a spare and a replacement cooling fan motor was fitted at the A end.

The moves for the Cornwall trip were as follows:

Wednesday 28th August 2002
5C37 13:55 Old Oak Common CS - Bristol Barton Hill towing 50031 & 50049 'Dead in train' and 67001 'Dead at rear'

Thursday 29th August 2002
0V70 15:10 Bristol Barton Hill - Stoke Gifford Yard
6V70 10:00 Stoke-on-Trent - St. Blazey 'China clay empties' from Stoke Gifford Yard with 60085

Friday 30th August 2002
0G11 11:00 St. Blazey - Fowey
6G11 13:18 Fowey - Goonbarrow Junction 'China clay empties'
6G10 15:48 Goonbarrow Junction - Fowey 'China clay'
0G27 17:00 Fowey - St. Blazey

Saturday 31st August 2002
St. Blazey EWS Open Day event

Sunday 1st September 2002
5Z46 09:45 St. Blazey - Crewe - Bescot Yard towed 'Dead in train' by 50031 & 50049 with 46035

Monday 2nd September 2002
6P21 05:48 Bescot - Highley SVR 'Auto-Ballast' hauled 'Dead in train' to Kidderminster by 50031 & 50049. Here Champion would make her debut passenger run on a preserved railway since mainline certification.

We are short of high quality images for this Cornish jaunt, if you have any you would allow us to display here please get in touch via the contact page.

The China Clay trains were captured on the Locomaster Profiles 'Wired for Sound' title 'A Day on the Clay'. Originally a video release, a double DVD is still available, for details click here.