THE Diesel & Electric Preservation Group’s two Hymeks, Nos. D7017 and D7018, have been taken out of traffic pending an investigation into an incident which saw one of the locomotives move a short distance uncommanded at Williton depot while preparations were taking place for a static test.
No. D7018 had been undergoing attention to its transmission on August 4, and after being started up it moved around 40 feet in the direction of the exit to Williton depot despite the parking brake being on and the locomotive being chocked. It was only stopped by those on board quickly shutting down its engine. Nobody was hurt although there was some damage to the locomotive and some DEPG equipment, including the cooler group from No. D1010 Western Campaigner, which was pushed out of the shed.
RAIB (Rail Accident Investigation Branch) and Office of Rail and Road (ORR) were informed of the incident, and a decision was taken by the DEPG to cease operating either of its Hymeks until further notice. This
