The Class 52 Westerns were diesel Hydraulics designed by the Western Region of BR at Swindon and built between 1961 and 1964 with the class officially being introduced in 62. They were C-C locomotives and Diesel Hydraulic, they were therefore non standard as the majority of regions had gone for Diesel Electric, they were withdrawn from the mainline by 1976. D1015 Western Champion was purchased by the Diesel Traction Group and eventually made a triumphant return to the main line after a major overhaul. The loco has performed faultlessly on the various rail tours it has operated on the mail line, on May 28th 2005 it is seen on the Paignton and Dartmouth Tourist railway working the 1715 Kingswear – London Paddington approaching Goodrington, near Paignton and seen from Watersmeet.
