Western Locomotive Association
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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 for 2024 to 2026 here!

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

Find out how you've helped the WLA remain Carbon Neutral by planting over 300 trees in our "Trees for Life" scheme 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

NEW BOOK! A Journey in Preservation: 50 Years of the WLA, by Julian Ogle

The story of how a small group of enthusiasts came together to save a ‘Western’ locomotive for preservation in the 1970s.

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WLA Offers Junior Membership for just £1.00!

To help celebrate the WLA's 50th Anniversary Year and it's current drive towards increasing Membership numbers, the WLA has decided to offer Junior Membership (anyone under the age of 18) […]

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D1013 lifted for first time in over 50 years!

Saturday, 31st August 2024 was a big day for the Western Locomotive Association (WLA) and for its Class 52 diesel hydraulic locomotive, D1013 Western Ranger. For the first time in […]

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Events

Committee Meeting at Kidderminster
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Committee Meeting at Kidderminster
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Committee Meeting at Kidderminster
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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