Western Locomotive Association
Menu
close

Welcome to the WLA

The Western Locomotive Association was founded in 1973 to celebrate and preserve British Rail’s Class 52 “Western” diesel-hydraulic locomotives. The WLA are the current owners and operators of D1013 Western Ranger and D1062 Western Courier, based on the Severn Valley Railway, which runs from Kidderminster (Worcestershire) to Bridgnorth (Shropshire).

During 2023, locomotive D1048 Western Lady was gifted to the WLA for which we were very proud to receive! The locomotive will receive a full assessment, following which, the Members will be asked to see if we can return D1048 to operational status, if at all possible.

With three Westerns to look after, we now need more Volunteers than ever before! To become a Working Member, please CLICK HERE!

Like to know more about the WLA?

Download our Business Plan here!

Find out how the WLA performed in 2023 with the Chairman's Report here! 

Like to know how you could help out as a Volunteer? 

Download our Guidance Notes for Volunteers, Working & Committee Members here!

Become a Working Member! Find out more here! 

Join the WLA!

Become part of the WLA by clicking here!

News
D1013 to remain in BR Blue with Full Yellow Ends livery – for the time being at least...!
14th November 2023

Following the Western Locomotive Association’s recent AGM held on the 11th November 2023, the WLA Membership have decided to keep locomotive D1013 Western Ranger in its current blue with full […]

Read More
WLA Membership exceeds 400 in time for 50th Anniversary...!
7th November 2023

The WLA is pleased to report that its Membership number is now over 400 just as the Class 52 preservation group heads towards its 50th Anniversary, which is taking place […]

Read More
And then there were three... D1048 is gifted to WLA!
8th October 2023

The Western Locomotive Association is delighted to announce that the owners of Class 52 locomotive D1048 Western Lady, have decided to gift their locomotive to our Association. Many enthusiasts will […]

Read More

Events
WLA Working Members Meeting
16th December @ 11:00 am - 2:00 pm GMT

Please note that there is also a WLA Working Members Xmas Dinner at Kidderminster in the evening! Details at: WLA Working Members Xmas Dinner!  

Read More
WLA Working Members Xmas Dinner!
16th December @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm GMT

A Working Members Meeting is currently planned for Saturday 16th December at 11.00am at The Railway Museum in Kidderminster. I hope that as many of you as possible will be […]

Read More
WLA 50th Anniversary Celebration (Steam Museum, Swindon) Saturday, 27 January 2024
27th January 2024 @ 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm GMT

Proposed details for this event are as follows: Room Hire:         Hawksworth Hall Evening Meal:   Harper’s Weighbridge Steakhouse Web Sites:          https://harperssteakhouse.co.uk/weighbridge/explore-weighbridge/ https://harperssteakhouse.co.uk/weighbridge/ Ticket Price:       £15 per person to […]

Read More
Western Locomotive Association 50 Years

The WESTERN LOCOMOTIVE ASSOCIATION is a company limited by guarantee - Registered No: 3873466
Registered Address: 5, Prospect Place, Millennium Way, Pride Park, Derby, England DE24 8HG. Charity No. 1115058