The West Somerset Railway has released details of its forthcoming “Diesels at 65” event to be held during the upcoming bank holiday.

On the August bank holiday weekend of Saturday, 29th to Monday, 31st August, the railway will celebrate the 65th anniversary of some of its much-loved diesel locomotives.

The stars of the event will be Class 09 No. D4107, Class 33 Nos. D6566 and D6575, and Class 35 Hymeks Nos. D7017 and D7018, which are all lovingly maintained by members of the Diesel Electric Preservation Group (DEPG) at Williton.

Throughout the weekend, a special timetable will provide plenty of opportunities to travel behind these 65-year-old locomotives, either working alone or in combination.

The aim is to recreate the atmosphere of the railway’s hugely popular “Hymek 50 Years” event.

The weekend won’t be all diesels, however, as there will also be some steam services, just as there were when these diesels first entered service 65 years ago.

At Williton, the DEPG will be holding an ‘Open Yard‘ event where the locos in the yard will be open for cab visits.

Visitors can also tour the shed by making arrangements with on-site volunteers. There will also be Rod’s Model Railways Sales Stand and ‘Irie 7’ hot food and drinks van.

At Bishops Lydeard, in the Gauge Museum, there will be exhibits from the diesel era, themed model railway displays and demonstrations, as well as storyboards providing the history of the locomotives operating throughout the weekend.

Among the highlights of the weekend will be the return of D7018 to the West Somerset Railway following a period away, and a rare chance to travel behind Class 09 No. D4107 on a passenger service to and from Williton.

Unforgettable sights and sounds of the diesel era will be brought back to life as locomotives work singly, double-headed, and in top & tail formations through the Quantock Hills and along the West Somerset coast.

Further details and ticket booking information can be found here.

The West Somerset Railway has now joined the growing list of railways and organisations that provide a discount for RailAdvent Plus Gold members.

The railway is also popular as a destination for main line rail tours, and in July, it hosted three rail tours on the same day.