Seven historic diesel locomotives will be appearing on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR) during its Heritage Diesel Gala at the end of this month
The event also pays tribute to the history of British electrical and mechanical engineering from the 1950s and 1960s, at a time when Britain was still at the forefront of locomotive technology and exporting railway locomotives all over the world.
An intensive timetable will be in operation during the gala from Friday, 29th to Sunday, 31st July. Six of the locomotives are from the railway's own diesel fleet, most now well over 60 years old. These will be supplemented by a special visitor in the form of Class 55 Deltic No. 55019 Royal Highland Fusilier. This will break new ground as the first Deltic to work over the former Stratford-upon-Avon to Cheltenham main line.
Up to ten trains will run each day between Cheltenham Racecourse and Broadway, giving a 28-mile round trip. There will also be additional services between Toddington and Cheltenham Racecourse.
At Toddington, there is a chance to visit the diesel maintenance shed. On display will be immaculately restored Class 37 locomotive No. D6948 and 1959-built Class 26 No. 26043, both of which are undergoing overhaul. They built 26043 at a time when the last steam locomotives for British Railways were still being completed. Also on display will be Class 20 No. 20228 and railcar W55003, which was built in Gloucester.
Locomotives operating will be:
- Class 55 No. 55019 Royal Highland Fusilier;
- Class 20 No. 20137;
- Class 24 No. 5081;
- Class 37 No. 37215;
- Class 45 No. 45149;
- Class 47 No. 47105;
- Class 47 No. 47376 Freightliner 1995.
Full information including details of all the locomotives running as well as advanced ticket sales and the timetable, can be on the railway's website at www.gwsr.com.
Peter Smith, the diesel gala organiser for the GWSR, said: “While many people come to the GWSR to enjoy our fine steam locomotives, there is fast-growing interest in the historic diesel traction that took over from steam from the late 1950s.
“At the GWSR's Toddington workshops one of the UK's finest fleets of heritage diesels is restored and maintained. This is an opportunity to celebrate the economic contribution locomotives like these made to the country between the days of steam and the modern services that we are familiar with today.
“These are types that worked the length and breadth of the UK handling prestigious inter-city express services, moving Britain's freight, and everything in between.”
“There will be something for everyone – for families looking for a great day out as well as for the railway enthusiast. It's an opportunity to re-live the atmosphere of travelling by British Rail (remember them?) from 50 and 60 years ago and witness many locomotive types that have long disappeared from the main line. The 1960s, 70s, and 80s live again!”
