‘Western Lady’ makes Four Class 52’s at Severn Valley Autumn Diesel Bash

The iconic Class 52 D1048 ‘Western Lady' is set to be showcased at the Severn Valley Railway's (SVR) Autumn Diesel Bash from Thursday 28th September to Sunday 1st October. Visitors to the event will witness the locomotive on static display.

Recently, D1048 has been cosmetically restored, now boasting a blue paint finish complemented with full yellow ends.

The locomotive will be displayed alongside SVR's resident Westerns: D1013 ‘Western Ranger', D1062 ‘Western Courier', and D1015 ‘Western Champion'. Notably, both the D1013 and D1062, owned by the Western Locomotive Association, are painted in a similar blue with full yellow ends, while the Diesel Traction Group's D1015 features blue with small yellow warning panels.

A special treat is the possibility of D1048 taking part in photoshoot events scheduled for the evenings of 26th September and 6th October. Those interested can secure tickets for these sessions through the SVR website.

This assembly is particularly significant as it marks the first time in over 25 years that four class members will be exhibited together, reminiscent of the Plymouth Laira Depot Open Day on 15th September 1991, where five Westerns were displayed together.

D1048, named ‘Western Lady', has a rich history. Manufactured at Crewe in 1962, it began its service journey in December of the same year. It continued serving until 26th February 1977, a day that also marked the final service day for the Westerns on British Railways. Interestingly, D1048 was the pioneering class member to don the blue with full yellow ends colour scheme. Since March 1977, the locomotive has found its home at the Midland Railway Centre.

Speaking about the occasion, the SVR's managing director, Jonathan ‘Gus' Dunster expressed, “We are thrilled to introduce D1048 to our lineup. Its presence enables us to host the most extensive gathering of Class 52 Westerns in over three decades. Although D1048 is not in an operational state, its restoration to the 1970s BR blue livery aligns perfectly with our event's theme and the planned photo charter lineups. We are optimistic that the inclusion of D1048 will enhance the allure of our event, celebrating 50 years of diesel preservation.”

The SVR has thanked both the Western Locomotive Association and Midland Railway Centre for their contribution in helping to bring Western Lady to the gala.