A Western Locomotive Arrives at Didcot Railway Centre: No 1023 "Western Fusilier" on Loan
Visitors to the living museum of railway history have a new historic machine to inspect following a major agreement with the National Railway Museum (NRM). The Western hydraulic locomotive No 1023 "Western Fusilier" has joined the collection on a five-year loan, offering a fresh window into a distinct era of diesel traction.
Discovering Diesel Hydraulic Power in the British Railways Era
When British Railways took over operations, the Western Region sought to maintain the independent engineering traditions of the historic network. While other parts of the network adopted electric transmission, Swindon engineers designed a fleet of diesel locomotives utilizing hydraulic transmission. Among these, the C-C Class 52 'Western' diesels stood out as the largest and most powerful, driven by Maybach engines and Voith transmission systems.
Built at the Swindon works in September 1963, "Western Fusilier" had an active working career before being withdrawn in February 1977. Its milestones include hauling the final-ever Western-hauled rail tour, known as the 'Western Tribute', and undergoing a general repair at Swindon in 1973 as the last hydraulic locomotive to do so. Following its retirement, the engine was transferred to York for display under national museum care.
What Visitors Can Expect from the "Western Fusilier" Exhibit
Because the locomotive is non-operational—with no current plans from the National Railway Museum to return it to working order—it will be housed primarily within the locomotive works. For visitors, this provides a rare up-close look at a preserved C-C Class 52 machine. While the living museum is widely celebrated for its steam locomotives and operational experiences, the arrival of No 1023 broadens the site's narrative, illustrating how the legacy of the Great Western Railway evolved into the Western Region of British Railways.
To plan your trip, view upcoming exhibitions, and discover more historic culture spots across the region, explore the interactive guides on Musemap (musemap.art). You can also browse the full museum list or check the map view to find your next destination.
