Diesel Traction Group
The Diesel Traction Group (DTG) owns/manages four locomotives, all based at SVR:
- Clayton Class 17 Bo-Bo D8568
- BR Class 35 D7029
- BR Class 42 D821 Greyhound
- BR Class 52 D1015 Western Champion (also operates on the main line)
Before they became resident, D8568 and D1015 periodically visited the SVR for Diesel Galas or attention from DTG engineering staff.
D821 Greyhound (2011)
D7029 (2015)
D1015 Western Champion (2016)
D8568 (2015)
History[edit | edit source]
The DTG was formed in 1977 from a group of six enthusiasts led by Chris Reid and Colin Massingham. Colin had come up with the idea of preserving a diesel locomotive in 1971. The first choice was D6319, a NBL Type 2, but unfortunately this was scrapped at Swindon. Instead, they acquired BR Class 42 D821 Greyhound in 1973.[1]
By 1975 other members had come on board including Paul Koch, Chris Hatton and Chris Broadhurst. The group also helped save 'Hymek' BR Class 35 D7029 from Old Oak Common. Paul Koch and Chris Hatton were Swindon apprentices with experience of the diesel hydraulics, useful in restoring and operating the Warship and Hymek.[1]
The DTG then set its sights on acquiring a Western. After assessing various including D1001, D1005, D1009, D1022 and D1071, the group eventually bought their third locomotive, BR Class 52 D1015 Western Champion in 1980.[1] The group's fourth locomotive, Clayton Class 17 Bo-Bo D8568, was preserved in 1983.
Colin Massingham also acquired unique Class 28 Co-Bo locomotive D5705 with the intention of returning it to working order, although the loco was ultimately passed on to another group for eventual restoration.[1]
Structure[edit | edit source]
Membership to the group is by purchasing shares, when they become available.
DTG Limited is a dormant private limited company number 05012555 incorporated on 12 January 2004.[2] DTG Limited oversees the running of D1015 Western Champion. The DTG Limited confirmation statement made on 12 January 2024 shows 120 private shareholders. It operates a non-profit system whereby should a locomotive later be sold the member is returned only the face value of their original share, meaning there is a low turnover of members. Although the Group refers to shares in a locomotive, there is a single register of shareholders.
In January 2017 the Group offered new shares to raise funds for a replacement engine for D1015 Western Champion.[3] This was successful and the appeal closed the following month.[4]
DTG Trading Limited was incorporated on 5 March 2008. The Group state it was formed as a wholly owned trading subsidiary.[5][6] DTG Trading Limited is a shareholder in both SVR(H) and DTG Limited.
Mainline operations and other activity[edit | edit source]
The Group's main line operations involving D1015 Western Champion are carried out in conjunction with TOCs such as Pathfinder Tours and Vintage Trains (Tyseley).[7]
The DTG regularly offers assistance and advice to other locomotive owning groups. They helped to maintain BR Class 27 D5410 at the SVR on behalf of the owner, Sandwell Council.
The DTG also supported the Diesel Depot.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 DTG 'About us' (retrieved 3 Feb 2025)
- ↑ Companies House (retrieved 2 March 2024)
- ↑ SVRLive
- ↑ D1015 ENGINE APPEAL - update 11th February, DTG website (retrieved 30 March 2017)
- ↑ Financial Statements for the year ending 31 December 2015
- ↑ 'About Us', DTG website (Retrieved 17 November 2018)
- ↑ DTG web site