The Watercress Line in Hampshire has revealed the identity of the last of five locomotives that will visit for its Diesel Gala the weekend after next.

Having announced a few days ago that Class 60 No. 60099 Ben More Assynt will join the event’s line-up, the Railway has today announced that it will also welcome Class 33 no. 33108, courtesy of the 33/1 Preservation Company.

No. 33108 was built in 1960, and originally numbered D6521. In 1967, it was converted in 1967 into a push-pull Class 33/1 locomotive, which operated in British Rail’s Southern Region. After the Bournemouth route was electrified, this class of locomotive worked with 4TC units to run through services between London Waterloo and Weymouth without the need for passengers to change trains.

Under the Total Operations Processing System (TOPS) system, the locomotive was renumbered 33108. It was based at Eastleigh throughout its time with British Rail.

The loco was withdrawn in 1993 and was brought into preservation with the 33/1 Preservation Company.

Also visiting the Watercress Line’s diesel Gala will be Class 56 no. 56103, Class 31 no. 31210 and the unique Class 423 4VEP Gordon Pettit. The Watercress Line believes that this creates “the diesel equivalent of a ‘Royal Flush’ across the three-day event”.

After the success of last year’s Diesel Gala, this year’s event will take place from Friday 10 until Sunday 12 July. The weekend will feature diesel locomotives of every British Rail diesel power classification, from Type 1 through to Type 5. This combination of diesel locos at a single event is unusual, and will be very pleasing for enthusiasts and visitors.

During the gala, an intensive timetable of diesel services will operate, hauling trains up and down the line’s gradients. Trains will be hauled by locomotives from the line’s home fleet as well as its visitors.

Other attractions at the Diesel Gala include onboard local ales and cider, pre-bookable guided tours around the Engineering Workshops, miniature railway rides, society stands and gift shops.

“We’re delighted to complete our visiting line-up with Class 33 no. 33108. Having locomotives representing every British Rail diesel power classification gives this year’s gala a real ‘Royal Flush’ and makes it something truly special. Combined with our own home fleet, it’s shaping up to be one of our most exciting Diesel Galas yet, and we can’t wait to welcome visitors for an unforgettable weekend of heritage rail action.”

Rebecca Dalley, Chief Executive Officer of The Watercress Line