All the very best for 2016 from the LDG to all our supporters. 2015 was a pretty good year for us, with 6940 back in business, D5310 continuing to be a solid and dependable machine and considerable progress made on 1566 since getting the Type 4 undercover in October. 2016 looks set to be another exciting year – especially with the prospect of having 3 locos available – provided funds can be raised to purchase an eye-watering 3 sets of batteries – which are required for all 3 locos!
Friday 2nd & Saturday 3rd January 2016 – The Winter Warmer Gala.
Featuring D5310, solo, double-headed and top-and-tail with the resident steam fleet. Trains will run to Corwen and the Type 2 will work a parcels train, offering something different to photograph. Limited passenger accommodation is available on the parcels train. The timetable can be found here.
2016 Running Dates
Full event details can be found here but here are summary dates for your diary:
- Diesel Running Days will be held on 5th June & 25th September, which will see 3 trips operated on each day alongside a steam-hauled service. Traction to be confirmed, diesel loco works the 10:00, 12;15 & 14:30 services from Llangollen.
- Classic Transport Weekend: 2nd & 3rd July
- 1960’s Weekend: 23rd & 24th July
D1556 Overhaul Progress
Steady progress has been made on the loco’s bodywork since she moved into the shed in October. Regular working parties have been getting stuck in. As at 1st of January, the locomotive’s bodysides and cabs have been fully sanded down, filled and undercoated. Some new metal patches have also been welded in, dressed and filled to repair corrosion damage. The removable section of the roof has been lifted to allow repairs to be carried out. The fronts ends are looking particularly exciting – with the halogen headlights removed and headcode windows reinstated at both ends, including the flat end that resulted from collision damage repairs at Crewe Works many years ago. Mark Smales’s photo of the reinstated headcode window in the flat end, complete with original trim speaks for itself:
Of course there is a still a long way to go, with the bodywork, power unit and the all-important new set of batteries. However, the Group are hopeful of returning the loco to traffic at some point in the next year or two, resplendent in BR blue and running as 1566 with original front ends including headcode blinds. If you can assist, either with manpower or finances (batteries and paint will run into a hefty four figure sum!) then do get in touch. ALL help is welcomed!