The Severn Valley Railway has declared that with visitor numbers significantly exceeding expectations, last weekend's Spring Diesel Festival was an outstanding success.
During the four days of the event from Thursday, 16th to Sunday, 19th May, more than 5,000 visitors enjoyed a stunning variety of diesel traction that confirmed the Festival as one of the must-see events in enthusiast's calendars.
Among the locomotives to set enthusiasts' pulses racing were five Class 20 ‘Choppers', Class 37s No. 37263 and 37409 Loch Awe, two Rail Adventure Class 43 HST Powercars, Class 46 No. D182, a Freightliner Class 59, GBRf Class 69 No. 69009 Western Consort, a Freightliner and a Colas Class 70, and GBRf Class 73 No. 73119 Paul Taylor.
What a four days we've had!
Jonathan ‘Gus' Dunster, Severn Valley Railway Managing Director
The railway is now working to welcome a similar range of diesel traction to its Autumn Diesel Bash from Thursday, 3rd to Sunday, 6th October. That promises to be “an almighty celebration of diesel hydraulics with a few diesel electrics thrown in for good measure”.
Advance purchase one-day tickets are now available.
What a four days we've had! This was another well-planned and professionally delivered event and I'd like to thank everyone involved across the entire SVR for their hard work and dedication.
We had a couple of locomotive issues, and these were both extremely well handled operationally, and the diesel engineering team dealt superbly with an issue with the Colas HST on Friday.
We're also indebted to our industry partners for their wholehearted and much-welcome support; our thanks go to GB Railfreight, Colas, Freightliner, Locomotive Services Group, 20189 Ltd and Eastern Rail Services.
Once more, I have been inundated by positive comments from visitors, volunteers and staff regarding the ‘feel good factor' and the overall quality of the event.
Our commercial results are of course, all important, and I'm delighted to say that we smashed the budget for both passenger numbers and secondary spend. Yet again, a triumph that showcased our wonderful railway at its very best.
Jonathan ‘Gus' Dunster, Severn Valley Railway Managing Director
I went on Sunday, it was by far the best diesel gala I have attended. One or two issues on the day were dealt with superbly and professionally.
What a great shame one of the Class 251/261 didn’t survive into preservation. Could you imagine the crowds one of those classics would draw?
The Nanking Blue rather suits the HST set so treated (and it has to be admitted, they DO work a damned sight better!), but let’s face it, it’s not quite the same.
A shame it was spoilt by one idiot assaulting a member of staff. Hopefully he will be dealt with accordingly. Perhaps stay away in future, until you have grown up?
Was that the ‘incident’ at Bridgnorth?’ Hopefully the idiot involved was duly sorted.