Tag: diesel trains

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Depot Memories Laser Etched Slate Wall Signs

TE Memories 35 x 25 Slate

A Nostalgic Tribute to British Rail Depots

The GDMK Images and J.A.M. Arts collaboration has another very special design for you.

We are excited to introduce our Depot Memories Laser Etched Slate Wall Signs.

These designs are a unique piece of railway memorabilia paying homage to the legendary British Rail depots we remember from our younger days.

What Is Included in the Depot Memories Design?

A 35cm x 25cm slate plaque with a laser etched design featuring the diesel locomotives associated with select British Rail depots. The intricate design includes laser engraved line drawing fronts of the diesel loco classes allocated to each depot over the years.

Alongside these detailed engravings, you’ll find the steam shed code, BR Tops code, and even the depot mascot (where applicable).

This attention to detail makes these wall sign a fantastic gift for anyone who cherishes the rich history of railways and wants to rekindle great memories of their favourite railway depot.

Which BR Depots Are Available?

The series has launched with the following depots available, with many more in design –

  • FP- Finsbury Park
  • LA – Laira
  • TE – Thornaby
  • TI- Tinsley
TE Memories 35 x 25 Slate
Thornaby Depot Memories
FP Memories 35 x 25 Slate
Finsbury Park Depot Memories
TI Memories 35 x 25 Slate
Tinsley Depot Memories
See All Depot Memories Designs

What Are The Designs Engraved On?

Engraved on slate, it’s important to note that slate signs are a natural product. As such, they will have marks and features that make each individual item unique. These characteristics add to the charm of the slate sign, making it a one-of-a-kind piece that will stand out on any wall.

A unique piece of railway history, the Depot Memories Laser Etched Slate Wall Signs are more than just a sign they are a tribute to the golden era of railways and a testament to the enduring appeal of the old British Rail depots!

My Favourite Depot Isnt Listed – What Do I Do?

We are busily making designs for many other depots – if you want a specific depot that is not yet available, please use the My Favourite Depot product and we will make the design up for you!

Railway Memories Series

These designs are part of our growing Railway Memories Series, which is a treasure trove of nostalgic designs perfect for stirring up all those great railway memories of a railway now long gone.

Check them out and let me know what you think!

Thanks for reading and dont hesitate to get in touch with any questions you might have

Cheers Gary & Andy!

Share These Depot Memories Signs with Your Railway Enthusiast Family and Friends … Thanks!!

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Cheers to Railway Enthusiasts: Discover the Perfect Gift in Our New Customisable Beer Glass Designs

Class 58 Keep Calm Pint Glass

Cheers to Railway Enthusiasts – 2 New Themed Pint Glass Designs Introduced To The GDMK Images Drinkware Range

Our new beer glass designs, created in collaboration with J.A.M. Arts, are fully customisable, allowing you to choose your favourite locomotive.

You can sup favourite brew from a pint glass adorned with the locomotive of your choice as we have every class from the humble Class 08 through to Class 92s, with an expanding selection of steam locomotive classes.

Aviation Fans, don’t despair as we are creating some fantastic aircraft artwork which will be available in this range shortly!

Onto the designs themselves.

Beer This Way

First up, we have “Beer This Way“, a playful design with your favourite loco positioned below a prominent arrow pointing towards the top of the glass, accompanied by the helpful instruction of “Beer This Way”!

Its the perfect way to enjoy enjoy a refreshing beverage after a long day at a Railway Gala or trainspotting session at your favourite railway location!

Keep Calm

Next, we have the “Keep Calm” design. Inspired by the iconic World War II “Keep Calm and Carry On” slogan, we have put a railway twist on the classic phrase.

In today’s hectic and stressful world it’s always nice to be reminded to chill out and find moments of relaxation. With this glass, you can relax and unwind with your favourite loco reminding you to keep calm and drink beer!

No Ordinary Drinkware – These Glasses are Railway Enthusiasts Drinkware!

These railway themed pint glasses are no ordinary drinkware; they are expressions of your love for railways. So, whether you’re treating yourself or searching for the perfect gift for a fellow railway enthusiast, these customisable designs are sure to bring joy and excitement to any railway lover’s collection. Cheers to celebrating your passion in style!

Remember to add your favourite loco number and colour scheme in the order notes so we can authentically recreate your favourite loco correctly!

Remember to always enjoy your beer responsibly!!!

Thanks for looking and don’t hesitate to comment below with your thoughts!!

Cheers

Gary

Share These Railway Enthusiast Beer Glasses with Your Railway Enthusiast Family and Friends … Thanks!!

Posted on by — 2 Comments

Your Guide to The Coolest Aviation and Railway Enthusiast Drinkware Gifts

Drinkware Guide Header

The Updated Enthusiasts Guide to the Coolest Drinkware Range

Read on to find details about the coolest drinkware range available to railway and aviation enthusiasts

Our overhaul of the drinkware range has been completed with the help of your fabulous feedback.

Our collaboration with J.A.M. Arts allowed creation of a unique and novel range of designs on laser-etched drinkware to complement our popular existing printed designs.

The GDMK Images drinkware range offers railway and aviation enthusiasts the following products –

Printed –

  • ceramic mugs (adults and kids sized)

Printed and Laser Etched –

  • travel mugs
  • water bottles
  • thermal flasks

Laser Etched –

  • beer glasses
  • shot glasses
  • whiskey glasses

Remember – almost all these products can be personalised.

Drinkware in Detail

Ceramic Mugs

The first product is the humble mug. We continue to offer our popular printed ceramic mugs in approx 10/11 oz std and 7 oz kids sizes.

Ceramic mugs are available with printed designs and are dishwasher resistant and microwave safe.

GWR Steam Locos on Shed mug
GWR Steam Locos on Shed mug
Spitfire mk1 mug
Spitfire mk1 mug
31271 NVR mug
31271 NVR mug

Water Bottles

There are several different types of travel mugs and water bottles available to enthusiasts. We sought user feedback for the different types to see if any particular type was more preferable and with this guidance in mind, selected the styles discussed in this guide.

Water bottles are becoming more and more popular. With healthy hydration and reducing single use drink cups and bottles having such a high media profile, we were not surprised to see these sentiments reflected in our feedback.

Although our standard water bottle style received very positive feedback, many people commented they would like to see handles for easier carrying and some form of built in straw.

Fortunately, we did find a water bottle with these features that printed and etched nicely.

The new water bottle with handle also features a flip up drinking spout connected to an integral straw. Fantastic – both preferences in one product!

Lastly, one of the most requested products is now available – bowling pin water bottles!

All water bottles are available with both printed and laser etched designs.

These water bottles should NOT be placed in dishwashers or microwaves!

37109 Rawtenstall 2 drink bottle
37109 Rawtenstall 2 drink bottle
Class 46 Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Class 46 Stainless Steel Water Bottle
45133 Silver Bowling Ball Water Bottle
45133 Silver Bowling Ball Water Bottle

Insulated Travel Mugs

We are sticking with our standard travel mugs. The feedback suggested that the flexibility of the travel mugs were more than adequate for the job, so why change anything?

Travel mugs are available featuring all our printed and laser etched designs.

45041 + 50008 NVR travel mug
45041 + 50008 NVR travel mug
Eurofighter Typhoon head on view travel mug
Eurofighter Typhoon head on view travel mug
C47 Dakota aeroplane travel mug
C47 Dakota aeroplane travel mug

New Thermal Flasks

We haven’t offered thermal flasks before. We have added these useful products to the range and made them available with all our printed and laser etched designs. The thermal flasks are great for keeping your hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold! Perfect whatever time of year you are travelling!

These Flasks and Travel Mugs should NOT be placed in dishwashers or microwaves!

50026 and 50017 DA Thermos Flask
50026 and 50017 DA Thermos Flask
HST Prototype Stainless Steel Thermos Flask
HST Prototype Stainless Steel Thermos Flask

Laser Etched Glassware.

We are delighted to confirm an enhanced range of glass drinkware in response to the feedback we received.

Beer Glasses

The trusty beer glass is a staple for many railway and aviation enthusiasts, so we have some great designs on both full pint and 1/2 pint glasses.

Class 33 Green Keep Calm Pint Glass
Class 33 Green Keep Calm Pint Glass
Class 58 Beer This Way Pint Glass
Class 58 Beer This Way Pint Glass
50008 front number and name pint beer glass
50008 front number and name pint beer glass

Shot Glasses

Toast your friends in style with our shot glasses complete with a cool railway or aviation design!

Front - 37 Split Box Shot Glass
Front – 37 Split Box Shot Glass
Back - 37002 Number Shot Glass
Back – 37002 Number Shot Glass
Front - 50 Front Shot Glass
Front – 50 Front Shot Glass

Whiskey Glasses

Keep an eye out for our soon to be announced laser etched whiskey glasses, perfect for savouring those quiet moments!

Personalisation

You can personalise the core elements of almost every design in our range.

Product Features You Can Personalise

  • Loco/Aircraft Number
  • Loco/Aircraft Colour Scheme
  • Add Specific Markings/Mascots/Codes
  • Add Personalised Messages

What better way to truly enjoy a brew, pint or quiet reflective drink than with a gift featuring your favourite loco or aircraft!

Select any of these products to see how easily you can personalise them!

Drinkware Questions?

Dont hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions about our drinkware range or the personalisation process!!

Thanks for reading

Gary

Share These Drinkware Gift Ideas with Your Family and Friends … Thanks!!

Posted on by — Leave a comment

New Laser Etched Drinkware Added to Shop

New Laser Etched Drinkware Added to Shop

This week we have launched our 1st design across our full range of laser etched drinkware.

The drinkware gifts added are –

This laser etched design is perfect for railway enthusiasts who want to recreate their favourite loco and includes –

  • The design features a lineart loco front
  • loco number
  • name if carried

We have most loco classes finished so you can enjoy your favourite drink from a receptacle featuring your favourite loco!

The loco fronts represent your chosen loco accurately in respect of having a split box, headcode panel or marker lights as per the real loco.

If your loco choice had multiple front looks during its service life, specify your desired fittings in the order notes.

If you choose a headcode fitted front then put your chosen headcode in the notes field and we’ll etch it into the headcode boxes!

Flasks

The 500ml flasks are double wall insulated and will keep your drink hot or cold for up to 6 hours and are extremely tough.

Water Bottles

Stay hydrated with the 500ml aluminium water bottle. Each drinks bottle features an integral drinking straw and retractable drinking spout.

Shot Glasses

60cl shot glasses. Enjoy that medicinal shot of your favourite spirit with a shot glass featuring your favourite loco!

Pint and 1/2 Pint Beer Glasses

The ever popular beer glass!

Drinkware Gifts Overhaul

Following on from these new additions, the entire drinkware range will undergo a revamp with new options.

More Laser Etched Designs Coming

Now our laser etching process has been fully fine tuned and the designs tidied up, we will be releasing more unique designs very shortly which will include the first new laser etched aviation designs.

Thanks for looking at these new designs and dont hesitate to get in touch with your thoughts!

Cheers Gary

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Class 43 43093 Open Day Vinyl Embroidered Design Added

43093 Open Day Vinyl black and white Varsity Jacket snippet

Class 43 43093 Open Day Vinyl Embroidered Design Added

After many requests, I have finally finished the embroidered Class 43 HST artwork featuring 43093 and the Old Oak Common Open Day side vinyl.

The Old Oak Common Open Day version of 43093 is available now on all our usual garments along with a new backpack rucksack!

GWR 43093 Navy Blue Polo Snippet
GWR 43093 Navy Blue Polo Snippet
43093 Open Day Vinyl royal blue and white hoodie
43093 Open Day Vinyl royal blue and white hoodie
43093 Open Day Vinyl burgundy Sweatshirt
43093 Open Day Vinyl burgundy Sweatshirt
43093 GWR open Day Vinyl Blue Backpack
43093 GWR open Day Vinyl Blue Backpack
43093 GWR open Day Vinyl Black Backpack
43093 GWR open Day Vinyl Black Backpack

Other Class 43 43093 Open Day Vinyl Gift Ideas

The new Old Oak Common Open Day vinyl version of 43093 is a perfect complement to our existing special edition 43093 designs as seen below.

More Loco Class Designs On The Way

We are continually fine tuning our existing designs and adding new Loco Classes and livery variations.

See All Railway Clothing

Keep up to date by subscribing to our newsletter or following us on social media!

Stay safe 

Gary

Other GDMK Images News …

Share These 43093 Old Oak Common Open Day Vinyl Designs with Your Railway Enthusiast Family and Friends … Thanks!!

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Big Loco Data Panel Update

Class 24 Later BR Green Data Panel Metal Sign

Big Loco Data Panel Update

I have undertaken a big update of the popular BR Tops Loco Data Panel designs.

Following requests and feedback from customers, I have reviewed the loco data panel designs. This review has seen the revision and updating of some designs, some new classes added and more liveries added.

The actual designs are tweaked to reflect actual photographic evidence of each loco and reflect individual details.

Data Panel Livery Revisions and Updates

The 1st batch of livery revisions focus on the BR Green colour schemes.

There are several versions of BR Green and they are applied differently to locos depending on their class.

BR Green

The BR green livery option now reflects the correct application of the livery on each class as shown in the products below.

Class 24 Two Tone BR Green Data Panel Metal Sign
Class 24 Two Tone BR Green Data Panel Metal Sign
Class 24 Later BR Green Data Panel Metal Sign
Class 24 Later BR Green Data Panel Metal Sign
Class 26 D5300 metal sign
Class 26 D5300 metal sign
Class 33 33008 BR Green Mouse Mat
Class 33 33008 BR Green Mouse Mat

BR Blue

The standard BR Blue diesel loco design is now joined by the AC Electric blue loco design and the Electric BR Blue with chrome numbers.

AC Electric Blue Data Panel
AC Electric Blue Data Panel
Class 85 E Range BR Blue Metal Sign
Class 85 E Range BR Blue Metal Sign

Depot Tweaks Added to Loco Data Panel Designs

Each depot had their own little unofficial tweaks which they applied to their locos in addition to the many varied official logos, plaques and motifs. I research these tweaks for each individual loco and apply them as appropriate for each order as shown below.

81007 Metal Sign
81007 Metal Sign
46043 br blue
46043 br blue
40086 BR Blue weathered data panel
40086 BR Blue weathered data panel
Class 37 37013 BR Blue with name
Class 37 37013 BR Blue with name

More Loco Classes Added

I have been adding more loco classes featuring the ‘less mainstream’ and unsuccessful British Rail early modernisation scheme.

01001 BR Black Mouse Mat
01001 BR Black Mouse Mat
Class 14 D9516 BR Green
Class 14 D9516 BR Green

Weathered and Flame Cut Effects Refined

Another refinement is the weathering and flame cut effects applied to the data panels. Each effect is uniquely created and applied to each data panel order. No two effects will be the same, even if you order 2 of the same weathered loco!

45106 unofficial name weathered
45106 unofficial name weathered
Class 50 50012 with name LL weathered data panel metal sign
Class 50 50012 with name LL weathered data panel metal sign

Nameplates as an Optional Extra

If a loco was fitted with a nameplate you can select to have your design incorporate the locos nameplate!

43238 LNER with name
43238 LNER with name
43158 GW Green with name
43158 GW Green with name
47706 Scotrail with name
47706 Scotrail with name
Class 47 47363 RS RF Grey with name
Class 47 47363 RS RF Grey with name

Steam Locos and Multiple Units 

If you are a fan of steam locos or multiple units, then we have plenty to offer you as well.

Class 170 Data Panel cross country metal sign
Class 170 Data Panel cross country metal sign
Class 156 Data Panel Central Trains Mouse metal sign
Class 156 Data Panel Central Trains Mouse metal sign
7825 Lechlade Manor GWR Green Steam Loco Number Panel Mousemat
7825 Lechlade Manor GWR Green Steam Loco Number Panel Mousemat
BR Lined Green Steam Loco Personalised Mousemat
BR Lined Green Steam Loco Personalised Mousemat

More Than Metal Signs 

These designs are available on our full range of gift products including – 

Thanks for reading and dont hesitate to give me a shout with any questions.

Stay safe!

Gary

GDMK Images News

Share These Loco Data Panels with Your Family and Railway Enthusiast Friends … Thanks!!

Posted on by — Leave a comment

GDMK Images January 2022 Update

U2 Black Heather Varsity Jacket snippet

GDMK Images January 2022 Update

Hi everyone I hope you have recovered from any Christmas and new year excesses.

Here is a quick update on where we are in respect of new designs, supply issues and potential shows.

First off let’s deal with supply issues and get that topic out of the way.

Mug supply has settled down and once again we are able to get regular deliveries of standard size mugs.

Unfortunately, supply of the larger mighty Mug has been extremely frustrating to the point that I have temporarily withdrawn them from sale. Once I can get regular quality supplies of the large mugs, I will reactivate the option in the web shop.

Wallets and mousemats seem to be becoming more readily available as well.as coasters, although coasters are still proving to be somewhat erratic in availability.

Now onto something a bit more positive – new products and designs!

New Polo Shirts Colours

Following many requests we have added Military Green and Kelly Green polo shirts to the range. The Military Green coloured polo is perfect for our Military Vehicle range and many of our aircraft embroidered designs.

[ux_stack] [ux_image_box img=”77726″]

Military Green Polos

[/ux_image_box] [ux_image_box img=”77727″]

Kelly Green Polos

[/ux_image_box] [/ux_stack]

New Classic Military Aircraft Designs

Just before Christmas we added 2 new USAF aircraft designs to the Classic Military Aircraft range – the iconic SR-71 Blackbird and U-2 Dragon Lady.

[ux_stack] [ux_image_box img=”77451″ link=”https://gdmkimages.co.uk/product-category/clothing/aviation-clothing/classic-military-aircraft/sr71-embroidered-clothing/”]

SR-71 Blackbird

[/ux_image_box] [ux_image_box img=”77461″ image_width=”80″ link=”https://gdmkimages.co.uk/product-category/clothing/aviation-clothing/classic-military-aircraft/u2-embroidered-clothing/”]

U-2 Dragon Lady

[/ux_image_box] [/ux_stack]

New F4 Phantom Designs Designs

On the run up to Christmas we received many persoanlised design requests for F4 Phantoms. I have now added these Phantom variations to the Classic Military Aircraft range which include

  • RAF 19 Sqn
  • 1980s West German Airforce Camo
  • Luftwaffe Grey
  • 892 Naval Air Squadron

 

[ux_stack] [ux_image_box img=”77142″ link=”https://gdmkimages.co.uk/product-category/clothing/aviation-clothing/classic-military-aircraft/phantom-embroidered-clothing/”]

F4 Phantom – RAF 19 Sqn

[/ux_image_box] [ux_image_box img=”77154″ image_width=”80″ link=”https://gdmkimages.co.uk/product-category/clothing/aviation-clothing/classic-military-aircraft/phantom-embroidered-clothing/”]

F4 Phantom – Camo WGAF

[/ux_image_box] [ux_image_box img=”77145″ link=”https://gdmkimages.co.uk/product-category/clothing/aviation-clothing/classic-military-aircraft/phantom-embroidered-clothing/”]

F4 Phantom – Luftwaffe Grey

[/ux_image_box] [ux_image_box img=”77146″ link=”https://gdmkimages.co.uk/product-category/clothing/aviation-clothing/classic-military-aircraft/phantom-embroidered-clothing/”]

F4 Phantom – 892 NAS

[/ux_image_box] [/ux_stack]

New Railway Clothing Designs

During the Christmas break, we finalised and added 3 new railway designs to the railway clothing range – the Class 25, Class 31 and Class 33 locomotives.

[ux_stack] [ux_image_box img=”77220″ image_width=”80″ link=”https://gdmkimages.co.uk/product-category/clothing/railway-clothing/class-25-embroidered-clothing/”]

Class 25

[/ux_image_box] [ux_image_box img=”77243″ image_width=”96″ link=”https://gdmkimages.co.uk/product-category/clothing/railway-clothing/class-31-embroidered-clothing/”]

Class 31

[/ux_image_box] [ux_image_box img=”77255″ link=”https://gdmkimages.co.uk/product-category/clothing/railway-clothing/class-33-embroidered-clothing/”]

Class 33

[/ux_image_box] [/ux_stack]

More New Designs to Come

I have been refining the Loco Data panel liveries and adding more missing classes and liveries.

They are slowly being added to the site – check out the next blog post for full details!

That’s all for now, so stay safe and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.

Cheers

Gary

Share This GDMK Images Update with Your Family and Friends … Thanks!!

[share align=”center”]

Other GDMK Images News …

[blog_posts style=”normal” columns__md=”1″ auto_slide=”5000″ posts=”12″ readmore=”Read More …” readmore_color=”alert” image_height=”56.25%”]
Posted on by — Leave a comment

Exclusive Class 50 50008 Merchandise

50008 H+H data panel mousemat

Exclusive Class 50 50008 Merchandise

I am extremely pleased to announce that, with a huge thanks to Jason Hall, GDMK Images has been granted exclusive rights to produce Class 50 50008 Thunderer merchandise in Hanson and Hall Rail Adventure colours!!

This is a fantastic opportunity, as Jason has allowed all profits generated from the 50008 sales to be very generously donated to supporting our 2 Class 50 locos, 50021 Rodney and 50026 Indomitable.

What Hanson and Hall Class 50 50008 Merchandise is Available?

Lets get to business then, in short there will initially be 2 designs available –

  • Our popular Data Panel Desings
  • A side Profile Drawing

Over time I’m hoping to be able to offer more designs.

These 2 designs will be available on our entire range of gift products from keyrings and bottle openers, right through the range to clothing!

You will see products going live over the weekend as we roll out the various products and designs.

[ux_products auto_slide=”5000″ equalize_box=”true” products=”12″ orderby=”rand” tags=”12700″]

50021 and 50026 Set For A Great Year!

2021 is set to be a very exciting year for our locos, 50021 and 50026.

Anticipation is high for the return to service of both locos. Coming with this return to service, is the ever present need to raise funds to facilitate and support this.

Please help us by taking advantage of this exclusive arrangement!

Thanks and stay safe!

Gary

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Hip Flasks Added to the 50021 and 50026 Range

50021 Hip Flask

No products were found matching your selection.

Hip Flasks Added to the 50021 and 50026 Range

I am adding some Hip Flasks to the 50021 and 50026 store.

Our Hip Flaks have been really popular on the stall and have not been available online until today.

The Stainless Steel Hip Flasks have a 7oz capacity and feature a with a faux leather wrap. Printed on the leather wrap are two initial designs –

  • A side profile drawing of the cab with the loco number and nameplate
  • A data panel design also including number and nameplate

Each Hip flask include a filler funnel & luxury gift box.

In the cab profile range, you can buy 50021 in large logo livery and 50026 in either NSE original or NSE Revised.

Initial Hip Flask Designs

What Other Hip Flask Designs Are Coming?

Shortly, I will be adding other popular 50021 and 50026 designs including

  • My Names Not Dave
  • 50021 and 50026 in other liveries
  • Option to create any Class 50 Data Panel and Number

 

Where Can I Get These Class 50 Hip Flasks?

At the moment, the best place to get these is through the online shop.

If you were lucky enough to get a ticket for the Thanet Thunderer, then drop by the buffet as we will have our stall there with a number of these available.

As for railway galas, I still havent booked anything formally yet – I’m waiting to see what arrangements are available at the various locations and the effect any ongoing social distancing and the like will have on the viability of taking the stall to galas.

I hope you like these designs – let me know your thoughts and shout out any ideas you might like to see added!

Stay safe!

Gary

 

Other GDMK Images News …

[blog_posts style=”normal” columns__md=”1″ auto_slide=”5000″ posts=”12″ readmore=”Read More …” readmore_color=”alert” image_height=”56.25%”]
Posted on by — Leave a comment

Organisations We Support – Western Loco Association

Class 52 Western Maroon Data Panel Personalised Mouse Mat

Organisations We Support – Western Loco Association

Welcome to the second article featuring the fundraising organisations we support.

Our new Trade Portal for fund raising organisations and societies has been extremely well received and has markedly increased organisations coming to us for their fundraising gifts.

One of the benefits of full membership of the Portal System is promotion of your group or society, both here on our website and also on social media.

So here we go – welcome to the Western Loco Association.

Western Loco Association

The Western Loco Association has been around a long time and are owners and operators of Class 52 locos D1013 Western Ranger and D1062 Western Courier, based on the Severn Valley Railway.

This excerpt from the WLA website sums up what makes the Class 52 Westerns special and grabbed the attention of railway enthusiasts at the time – 

The “Westerns” were always a little special, ever since their inception in 1961, and were the final development of the Western Region diesels using hydraulic transmission. Other regions based their designs on electric transmissions utilising large medium-speed diesel engines. The “Westerns” married superb bodywork styling and German-designed high-speed Maybach engines and Voith transmissions to produce a locomotive that was extremely powerful and considerably lighter than an equivalent diesel-electric.

A decision to rationalise the diesel locomotive types on British Rail marked the beginning of the end for the diesel-hydraulics. The “Westerns” were the last survivors and struggled on magnificently despite their neglected state until the final locomotives were withdrawn in February 1977.

With their impressive design, awesome engine sound and fabricated aluminium and steel name and number plates, the “Westerns” had many marks of distinction. All 74 “Westerns” were named, proud names such as “Western Glory”, “Western Thunderer” and “Western Crusader”, and these endeared them to enthusiasts who saw them as the last sign of the spirit and traditions of the Great Western Railway.

The demise of the mighty “Westerns” evoked a fanatical following, the like of which had not been seen since the end of steam traction, and this led to the early efforts of the W.L.A. to preserve an example of the class. The results of these efforts, “Western Courier” and “Western Ranger”, can be seen on the Severn Valley Railway today.

What WLA Fund Raising Products Are Available?

There are a wide range of designs available from the Western Loco Association online store.

We supply a number of designs to the Western Loco Association including our popular loco Data Panels and embroidered clothing.

Although these designs are ‘our’ standard designs, if you buy them through the Western Loco Association website, or order them from their fund raising stall, the WLA get full benefit of the proceeds, which helps them and us!

I 1st met Peter Bamber and their fund raising team at Crewe Heritage Centre a few years ago during a Diesel Day event at the Centre. Since then our arrangements have evolved into a great arrangement for both parties!

I’m delighted to help them raise much needed funds for their locos.

Keep your eyes peeled for new products as we work together to bring new and novel ideas for merchandise to life!

[ux_stack align=”baseline”] [ux_image_box img=”68428″]

Class 52 Data Panels

Class 52 Data Panels featuring any Western in the liveries carried during service

[/ux_image_box] [ux_image_box img=”73805″]

Clothing

Embroidered Westerns on hoodies, polos and jackets

[/ux_image_box] [ux_image_box img=”60867″]

Class 52 Picture Coasters

Pictures of Westerns on Coasters

[/ux_image_box] [/ux_stack] [button text=”Visit The Western Loco Association web Site” style=”shade” size=”larger” radius=”10″ depth=”4″ depth_hover=”5″ expand=”true” link=”https://www.westernlocomotives.co.uk/”]

Current WLA Fundraising Appeals

Currently the WLA is running an appeal for funds to help with the bogie overhauls on D1013 Wewstern Ranger.

This is a hugely expensive undertaking which you can read all about over on the  D1013 Bogie Overhaul Appeal page

Western Loco Association on Social Media

Check out the WLA social media sites and keep up to date with all their various news and updates  –

 

Now you know a little more about the Western Loco Association, why not check out their links in this post?

If you are interested in our Trade Portal service, then follow the links in this article or submit an enquiry below.

We’ll get in touch to discuss your needs!

Thanks for reading and stay safe!

Gary, Dawn and Kay!

 

 

Enquire How GDMK Images Can Help Your Organisation or Society