The South Devon Railway is home to an impressive fleet of British Railways ‘first generation’ diesels built during the 1950s and 1960s to replace steam traction and the Diesel Gala weekend on 2nd to 4th November is a great opportunity to experience them in action.

Please note that the 3rd November is the 60th Anniversary of the Ashburton Branch’s closure which will be marked with a special steam train service at 19.58 ( the year of the last BR train ) hauled by former GWR small “Prairie” 2-6-2T 5542.

With an intensive service throughout, a bar on the trains and plenty of action for diesel fans – and guest locomotives – the diesel gala is an event that is growing in popularity and a firm date for the diary!

Locomotives planned to run over the weekend (all subject to availability) comprise Sulzer type 2 (class 25) D7612 and D7535, BRCW Crompton (class 33) D6501, English Electric 0-6-0DE shunter (class 09) D3721, and ‘Bubblecar’ single unit railcar W55000.
D7535 is a recent transfer from the Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway replacing class “37” 6975.

Visiting engines are expected to be 08483 which will make the short trip to the SDR from Laira TMD and class 14 D9526 from West Somerset Railway.  D7535 is in rail blue, 08 483 is in BR Black and the rest are in original British Railways green.

Tickets are available, with discounts for advance purchases, here.